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Residents have spoken out about plans to build 2,200 homes on rural land in west Bersted, after they were submitted in November last year.

Submitted by Landlink Estates and Church Commissioners, the application would give developers outline planning permission for a 2,200-home mixed use development, including 750 affordable homes.

Officers at Church Commissioners for England say the project will provide much needed housing and employment in an undersupplied and expensive part of the country.

In a press release issued last year, John Weir, head of real estate at Church Commissioners for England, said: “This scheme supports a range of different housing needs and will make a positive contribution to the development of the Bersted area.”

The 144 hectare master plan lies on agricultural land to the north of Chalcraft Lane and plans also make provision for an employment hub and significant social infrastructure which, it is hoped, will strengthen the existing community and provide plenty of opportunities for new and existing residents.

But residents feel the application is both too big and ill-conceived, taking up an inordinate amount of viable agricultural land. “We know that houses need to be built, we’re not saying don’t build houses,” said resident Sally Finestone, who has lived in Bersted since 2016. “But, this won’t solve the issues.”

“What’s frustrating is the fact that, locally, we know the water level is rising, and has been doing so for several years. But we also know that it’s used for agricultural purposes.”

Her concerns are echoed by other residents and members of Pagham Parish Council, who explained that the proposals might ‘exacerbate’ problems with oversubscribed roads.

Writing shortly after a litany of issues with Pagham Road and Lower Bognor Road, they said the rural area cannot accommodate more traffic, let alone construction vehicles.

Residents have also joined the dissent, sending dozens of letters to Arun District Council officers urging them to refuse the plan when it comes to a decision later this year. They have called for a public consultation, and complained about the loss of viable agricultural land in the midst of shortages.

Despite resident’s concerns, the development falls within the scope of Bersted’s Local Plan, which makes provisions for at least 2,500 dwellings, and a range of key infrastructure requirements.

Residents object to plans for 2,200 homes in Bersted

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