Development of Yapton pub stalled

Members of Arun District Council’s development and control committee deferred a planning application which would see the villages’ oldest surviving pub - The Lamb - demolished to make way for 14 new homes.

After much debate during the meeting, councillors ordered the extra time to give the applicant Orchard Homes and Developments and Punch Taverns the opportunity to create a better scheme.

The Bilsham Road pub has been at the entrance to the village for more than 200 years, initially as a Farmer’s Cottage, but for over 140 years as a public house.

Originally it was a converted front room selling cider from the local orchards.