Bersted

This prime site in the sought-after area of Bersted was sold to BDW – a division of Barratt Homes. This will be a mix of private and self-build homes, public open spaces and communal sport and leisure facilities. The consent secured by Landform Estates also incorporates the modernisation and expansion of the adjoining Chalcroft Nursery to include new industrial and retail outlets, together with a cafe.

The site forms part of the West of Bersted Strategic Housing Site SD3, which was promoted jointly with the Church Commissioners and Langmead Farms for around 2,500 new homes. The site was allocated in the Arun District Council Local Plan in the summer of 2018.

The development has been split into two separate planning phases. The first application for the 5-acre (2ha) Chalcroft Nursery site was submitted in late 2020 and was granted planning approval by Arun DC (under delegated officer powers) in March 2021. The consented scheme comprises a new vehicular and pedestrian access from Chalcraft Lane together with 20 residential units, 1,500 sqm of industrial, retail and a café.

The second application, known as Nursery Fields, Bersted is for 225 residential units across the remaining 33-acre (14ha) wider site area utilising the same access road and new junction onto Chalcraft Lane that was approved in the first phase scheme. An application was submitted in May 2021 and, after an initial refusal by Arun DC, consent was granted on appeal in April 2022.

There is a long-term under supply of housing in the Bognor/Chichester region. Thirty two parties tendered for its purchase.  This reflects the high demand in the area for good quality and well-located sites and is great news for potential home owners.