Residents concerned over housing project

RESIDENTS living next door to a proposed twelve-storey housing development have voiced their objections to the plans.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jul 2014, 09:00 BST
WH 220714 Residents at Regis Court, west parade, Worthing unhappy about adjacent development proposals. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140722-120531001WH 220714 Residents at Regis Court, west parade, Worthing unhappy about adjacent development proposals. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140722-120531001
WH 220714 Residents at Regis Court, west parade, Worthing unhappy about adjacent development proposals. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140722-120531001

Regis Court residents, in West Parade, Worthing, are concerned the planned Roffey development, on the corner of West Parade and Grand Avenue, will be too tall and built too far forward.

Phil Abbott, 69, said: “Roffey claims the development will enhance the seafront. Try convincing the residents of Regis Court and the surrounding buildings that.

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“We acknowledge they are quality builders, but like all developers, they want to maximise investment.”

At a public exhibition on July 8, Roffey and architects ECE outlined their ideas for the site, which currently houses a small block of flats.

Two ideas were discussed – building up to 12 storeys, in line with Regis Court, or a development less high but in front of the existing building line.

Resident John Fallwickl, 69, said: “I think it’s a really uninspiring design, I would suggest designed to maximise profit for the developers, judging by the amount of floors they want to build.

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“It’s unusual for this part of the seafront. It certainly won’t enhance the overall appearance.”

Steve Rudge, 86, said he couldn’t see the necessity of building as high as that.

“I live right on the side of Regis Court and I will be looking out at a brick wall.

“I just hope they will see sense. Most buildings around here are no more than six or seven storeys. I can’t see the point in putting a very high building on the corner like that.”

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The residents said they would welcome an initiative along the lines of nearby Vista Mare – another Roffey seafront project – but the current plans needed to be more ‘in keeping’ with the surroundings.

Mr Abbott said: “Our preference would be to maintain the building line. If they only went up seven storeys we would be happy.

“Maybe they will meet us in the middle. That is our preference and we could all live harmoniously.”

The public exhibition was a chance for residents to have their say, with a planning application expected later in the year.

The plans incorporate 32 apartments, as well as seven affordable flats.

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Related topics:Residents