Revised development for Bognor seafront site ‘something quite special for town’

Developer B5 Limited wants to build a five-storey building on the corner of Waterloo Square and The Esplanade.

It would contain 11 two-bedroom ‘luxury’ flats and two restaurant/cafe/retail units on the ground floor.

According to the applicant the building would include ‘superb frontal features and a domed top, with the use of glass canopies to complement’.

They added: “This is something quite special for our seaside town.”

The application says: “This is a new scheme creating a formal break in the development while providing a gateway feature on the corner of Waterloo Square.

“The proposed scheme has been designed based on the planning and heritage comments and has a more traditional appearance.

“The proposal now forms a single building fronting the esplanade and reducing any impact to the conservation area.”

The scheme is smaller than the last development proposed for the site.

The application site is on the plot formerly occupied by the Beach Hotel Restaurant building, which was demolished following a serious fire in 2016.

A previous application refused by Arun in June for 35 apartments and three commercial units also stretched on to the neighbouring empty plot vacant since 2-4 Waterloo Square was demolished.

Five parking spaces would be accessed from Norfolk Street and cycle parking would also be included.

The application concludes: “Our proposal demonstrates a vision for the site and future developments not only along the Bognor seafront but also leading back to the conservation area and the heart of the town.

“The scheme is not just a landmark building but an intellectual, elegant design solution that responds to the vision for Bognor to raise its profile and act as a catalyst for potential future improvements to The Esplanade, preserving and enhancing the conservation area.”

Visit arun.gov.uk/weekly-lists using code BR/244/20/PL.