VILLAGERS have called for their neighbourhood plan to be respected, as another developer looks to build homes in Birdham.
Martin Grant Homes is asking for residents’ feedback as it develops plans for 25 new homes in Bell Lane, on the site currently occupied by Rowan Nurseries.
In response, chairman of the village’s neighbourhood plan steering committee, Terry Claughton said: “My view of all these applications is we need to give the neighbourhood plan a chance to determine how we would like Birdham to evolve in the future, and not leaving this to what individual developers think we should have.”
The new plan, which is the latest to come to light in the area, claims to include both drainage and flood mitigation measures. According to Laurie Pocock, chairman of the Birdham Village Residents’ Association (BVRA), the speculative proposals need to stop for the present moment.
“We have pressed our parish council to write to Chichester District Council to ask for a moratorium until we can get our neighbourhood plan completed,” he said.
Birdham residents have been invited to give their feedback to Martin Grant Homes about the latest plans, and a director at the company said they had targeted the area following encouragement by the district council.
“Chichester District Council has identified a potential shortfall in housing across the district and wants to encourage residential development of the right type, in the right place,” said Andrew Wilson, director of strategic land at Martin Grant Homes.
“We therefore know these aren’t the only new homes currently being proposed for Birdham, but we’re of the opinion our site and proposal is more appropriate for the village and aligns more closely with local planning policy.
“We believe we’ve developed a sympathetic solution on an excellent site with a range of associated benefits for the village, but before we finalise our planning application, we’re keen to hear the views of local people.”
People wanting to view the plans should visit {http://www.martingranthomesbirdham.co.uk| www.martingranthomesbirdham.co.uk}
You can offer your views by calling 0800 988 9141 or emailing {mailto:info@martingrantland.co.uk| info@martingrantland.co.uk} before Friday, January 18.