Bognor MP Nick Gibb steps up fight with 'arrogant' Church Commissioners

The MP for Bognor Regis has taken up the cause in parliament for campaigners against the development.

Opponents of the scheme dubbed 'Bogchester' have raised fears the area will lose wildlife-rich green space and farmland between Bognor and Chichester.

They also believe it will massively increase traffic on the already heavily-used A259 and result in a greater flooding risk.

Fears were also raised that the impact of the new development would be magnified as 650 homes on a nearby scheme known as site 6 received approval '“ despite being rejected in a high-court battle.

An outraged Mr Gibb raised the issue last Thursday in the House of Commons with Sir Stuart Bell as the representative for Church Commissioners. He claimed the church had 'a duty' to sell off its land and manage its assets.

In response, Mr Gibb insisted the Archbishop of Canterbury, who as head of the Church Commissioners has been criticised for suggesting more food should be grown domestically while allowing the sale of prime farming land, should 'pay more attention to the hundreds of letters' he had received from concerned residents.

Speaking in support of the Clued UP campaign group (Chalcraft Lane Urban Extension Development United Protest), Mr Gibb said: "This is one of the biggest developments in the history of the town which is of concern to people.

"The attitude of the Church Commissioners when they are challenged about this development is that they don't really care about local opinion '“ their duty is to make money regardless of the opposition they face.

"That is an appalling attitude that not even the most ruthless of property developers in the private sector would adopt."

He added: "I have already invited the Bishop of London to visit Bognor Regis to see for himself the damage this development would do. The Archbishop of Canterbury would also be very welcome. I shall continue to raise this issue in the Commons until the Commissioners withdraw their plans."

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