Concern at plans to remove part of important Fontwell hedgerow to make way for 400 homes

They said the hedgerow, which forms the parish boundary between Eastergate and Walberton, has been traced back to at least 1757.

Councillor Rob Bates, vice-chair of the Planning and Environment Committee at Barnham and Eastergate Parish Council, said developer Dandara’s suggestion that a series of commemorative plaques could be erected to show future residents what once was there was considered by residents as ‘derisory’.

He said: “The area is rich in wildlife – as numerous surveys confirm – including bats that travel from the South Downs National Park towards the coast, and is under intense pressure from over-development.

“Removal of even part of this hedge diminishes and arguably destroys any ‘green or wildlife corridor’ incorporated in to the design of the estate.”

Pointing out that the council declared a climate emergency last year, he added: “Surely we’re now at the stage where ‘every hedge counts’.”

His concerns come after the Observer reported on anger among residents in Yapton over similar plans to remove an ancient hedgerow from land earmarked for development.

Outline planning permission for the Fontwell development, which will lie east of Fontwell Avenue opposite the racecourse, was granted on appeal by an inspector back in 2017.

A spokesman for Dandara said that, as detailed in the outline planning conditions, it was agreed that a section of hedgerow would be removed to allow for suitable access to site and to permit development.

“Wherever possible we look to minimise the impact of construction on the environment and as part of the proposed plans we will create new areas for ecology within the development,” the spokesman said.

Arun District Council said the hedgerow in question does satisfy the definition of an ‘important’ hedgerow, under The Hedgerow Regulations 1997, because it has existed for more than 30 years and it marks the boundary between parishes existing before 1850, according to a report being considered by its Development Control Committee.

Before removing any such hedgerow, the owner must notify the local planning authority and the hedgerow may not be removed if a hedgerow retention notice is served by that authority.

However, removal of a hedgerow is permitted if it is required for carrying out development for which planning permission has been granted.

Outline planning permission was granted by the Secretary of State for development of the whole of the site that has subsequently become the strategic housing allocation [SD6] in the Arun Local Plan, the council spokesman said.

This permission was given more than three years ago so can longer be challenged, confirmed the spokesman.

Only one means of accessing the housing site by vehicle was permitted and that was from Fontwell Avenue – this means it is inevitable that one or more sections of the hedgerow will need to be removed to accommodate the development, the spokesman said.

A revised set of plans for the site in a reserved matters application has been submitted by developers and will be considered by the council’s Development Control Committee on October 28.

To comment on the plans, visit www.arun.gov.uk/weekly-lists and search reference WA/48/19/RES.