VOTE: Angmering preparing for ‘housing dash’

David Wilson Homes (DWH) and Barratt will reveal more details of their scheme in a one-day exhibition at the village hall on Saturday.

It will signal the start of a race for the housebuilders to attempt to have their plans approved before Angmering’s Neighbourhood Plan, currently being drawn up to give villagers more of a say in housing development, is finalised later this year.

The proposals have already sparked an angry reaction from the Save Angmering group of villagers, who have pledged to fight developments they fear will harm the village.

Save Angmering has launched a public vote asking people to state which of several sites around the village they would oppose or support for housing development, including the DWH/Barratt scheme, and the rugby club, which is said to be considering a sale of its land if it can find a suitable place to relocate to.

In a statement, Save Angmering said it was against development of the rugby club and the DWH/Barratt scheme, which includes the Manor Nursery garden centre, claiming the two schemes would generate 450-500 homes, with 900 or more people, 500 or more cars and vehicles, 400 or more children, putting pressure on already overcrowded schools and 900 or more patients registering at the village medical centre.

They would also lead to busier roads, particularly Roundstone Lane, High Street, past the Spotted Cow, and Weavers Hill, and several years of construction traffic.

Green open spaces and recreational land would be destroyed and the extra houses would place additional strain on the village’s already insufficient infrastructure, including drainage and emergency services.

“Save Angmering feels that the development of these houses will not be the end. If we accept these, we ask, where will the land creep end?”

The group’s voting form and more information can be found on its website www.saveangmering.co.uk

Saturday’s exhibition and public consultation will be from 10am-5pm. David Wilson Homes, Barratt and their consultants will be on hand to discuss the plans and a dedicated children’s corner will be set up with activities for youngsters while parents look at the housing proposals.

The plans are available online at David Wilson Homes’ website www.dwhsotoncommunity.com where comments can also be made.

What do you think? Are you in favour of 300 homes being built on land north of Worthing Rugby Club, Angmering, and including the Manor Nursery site? Cast your vote in the panel to the right of the screen, and leave your comments below.

To read more on this story, see today’s Littlehampton Gazette.