Growing support to say no to Courtwick building plan in Littlehampton

The meeting organised by the Courtwick Lane Opposition Group (CLOG) saw almost double the numbers at a similar meeting last month called by the town’s MP Nick Gibb, suggesting that opposition to the Courtwick development is growing.

Organisers say they called the meeting, at Wick Hall on Saturday, January 8, to gauge the level of objections to the scheme, which also includes business units, on prime farmland north of the A259 Littlehampton bypass.

CLOG spokesman Ray Blunt described the meeting as “a great success”, with many people voicing strong opinions.

“It is clear that a large number of residents are against this development,” he added.

Against

Key points against the development, for which outline plans have been submitted to Arun District Council, were agreed and included:

– Littlehampton roads are already saturated. Taken together with other proposed local developments (Bognor was mentioned), the pressure on the A259 would become intolerable.

– Flooding risk would increase beyond acceptable levels. Discussions have begun to increase the river bank height near the development, and acres of extra concrete would not help.

– Pictures shown were of wildlife in the area which was likely to be forced from its habitat. Rare species had been seen in the area and CLOG is to investigate further.

– The threat to the future of a farm because of its very close proximity to proposed houses.

– The impact on the area’s infrastructure, for example on schools having to cope with an additional 1,200 children.

Action

As well as residents, the meeting was attended by a representative of the Littlehampton and Worthing Model Flying Club, which uses Courtwick as its “airfield”.

An action plan was suggested and CLOG received many offers of help with its campaign.

Mike Northeast, town and Arun councillor for Littlehampton Ham ward, said he hoped Mr Gibb, who was at the meeting, would also attend the next north Littlehampton steering group, to which he had been invited, to put across the points that had been raised.

The steering group brings together councillors and developers working on both the Courtwick and north Littlehampton large-scale housing and business schemes.

“Access to the Courtwick site is one of the concerns that has been raised at the steering group,” said Mr Northeast.

“Originally. the developers wanted to have traffic lights on the A259, but after we expressed our concerns, they are now having second thoughts about that.

“One of the most important issues is the size of infrastructure payments coming from these large developments.

“Unfortunately. they are the only way we are ever going to address the lack of infrastructure in this area.”