We are Protect Farmland West Of Bewley Road (PFWBR), a community group established last year to oppose the application by Gleeson Land to build 190 houses on 39.8 acres of highly productive agricultural land in Angmering village.

What's happened so far?

Following 1,783 letters of objection, Arun District Council refused the application, but predictably Gleeson Land are appealing that decision. We have teamed up with Angmering Parish Council to form a 'Rule 6 Party' (Angmering Community Alliance), which will enable us to take an active role in the Public Inquiry in October.

Why stop this development?

In recent years Angmering has been changed beyond recognition by the approval of 22 developments, totalling 1981 housing units. This is 89% over the allocation for the village in the council's Local Plan. The surrounding infrastructure is stretched to its limit, with school places running out, a medical centre that is hugely over-subscribed, and dangerously busy roads. The population has already grown to the size of a small town, but we do not have the facilities to match.

Local people are saying enough is enough, and we have been working hard since May 2024 to make our voices heard and stop yet another large scale development from being approved, before the current construction of 750+ houses is even complete! If approved these 190 houses would bring another ~500 people and ~300 cars to the village, all accessing the development via a single narrow access point at the end of Bewley Road. It would also mean the permanent loss of precious 'best and most versatile' farmland, which currently grows a variety of crops including wheat, maize and rapeseed, year after year.

The farmland is home to 2 Public Rights of Way, which are enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike, with unique views from the western boundary of Angmering village, across the open countryside to neighbouring Poling village.

What happens next?

There is a great deal of work to be done before the inquiry begins on 28th October, and then there will be 8 days of evidence presentation and witness statements, before the Planning Inspector decides whether to uphold the refusal. Gleeson Land are a very large company, with deep pockets, so we need raise money to put forward the best legal representation we can.

The total cost of the solicitors, barrister, planning consultant and several expert witnesses is estimated to be £96,000. Angmering Parish Council are contributing £80,000 towards this bill, and we are aiming to raise at least £10,000 from the community. Any and all contributions are welcome!

Thank you for your contribution, we are very grateful for all the support we have received during our campaign. We cannot do this without you all!

Visit our website- https://savelandwestofbewleyroad.co.uk/, for more information and updates.

PFWBR Protest August 2024

PFWBR Protest February 2025

All photos by Eddie Mitchell, Worthing Herald