Plans for a large-scale housing development on the picturesque Manhood Peninsula in Birdham, situated just south of Chichester in West Sussex, have recently come to light. The proposed project, consisting of more than 150 houses, is set to be located in the field opposite Birdham Stores on the Main Road, with potential expansion in the future. However, the development's approval could herald substantial changes to the village and have ripple effects across the entire peninsula.

The ambitious housing scheme, spearheaded by Manchester-based developers Gladman, a subsidiary of Barratt Homes, has ignited intense local debate. The upcoming appeal hearing scheduled for September will play a pivotal role in deciding the fate of the development. This hearing comes as a response to Gladman's appeal against Chichester District Council's (CDC) failure to decide on their outline planning application (reference number: 21/01830/OUT).

Gladman's appeal focuses on two key issues: the perceived lack of financial contribution in line with the Local Plan's draft policy and insufficient infrastructure provision. The CDC contested the appeal solely concerning these points during a planning committee meeting in June 2023. As the appeal process unfolds, the final verdict will rest with the Government's Planning Inspectorate.

The Birdham Village Residents Association (BVRA), formed to safeguard the village from over-development and preserve its character for present and future generations, has emerged as a prominent critic of the project. BVRA's concerns resonate with locals who fear the project's impact on traffic congestion, flood risks due to the site's history of flooding, and challenges to essential services like health and education. West Sussex County Council's objections due to flooding were reportedly disregarded by Chichester District Council, raising further eyebrows.

Southern Water, responsible for waste water management in the area, has already expressed that its Sidlesham plant lacks the capacity to accommodate additional housing units. Furthermore, Birdham's adjacency to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and its proximity to the scenic Chichester Harbour add layers of complexity to the development's approval process.

In the midst of this controversy, the Birdham Village Residents Association (BVRA) has taken a proactive stance by becoming a Rule 6 objector at the appeal. This move empowers BVRA to rigorously examine all evidence presented during the appeal process. To bolster their case, the association is enlisting the expertise of professionals including lawyers and planning consultants.

To learn more about the ongoing development dispute and the community's response, interested individuals can visit the website notodestruction.org.uk. As the appeal hearing looms, the decision will have far-reaching implications not only for Birdham but also for the wider Manhood Peninsula community and its natural surroundings.