The scheme at Pinks Lane, Birdham, was greenlit by Chichester District Council on Tuesday, February 13.
It involves the creation of six pitches, each with a mobile home, two car parking spaces, space for a touring caravan, and amenity space.
Two parish councils and a number of residents voiced concerns about potential sewage issues, with a Southern Water pumping station on Pinks Lane reportedly struggling to cope already during rainy periods.
Birdham Parish Council raised objections, citing potential overdevelopment of the site, and concerns about the access track’s capacity to handle increased traffic.
They also highlighted the potential for a sewage pumping lorry to be permanently stationed in Pinks Lane.
The East Wittering & Bracklesham Parish Council echoed these concerns, adding that expansion beyond established boundaries could set a precedent for further sprawl, leading to adverse impacts on the environment and infrastructure.
The council also stressed that existing problems with the sewage network must be addressed before any development in the area.
They pointed out that the reliance on tankers to pump overflow from the sewage system is unsustainable and poses health and environmental risks.
The proposal received seven third-party objections, particularly focused on the capacity of the foul drainage system.
One resident wrote: “It must be well known to you that the foul water holding and pumping station in Pinks Lane is already in use well beyond its capacity to deal with both domestic waste water and the excess groundwater.
“The nearby Tawny Close development already suffers periods when toilets, showers, washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances cannot be used because the pumping station has overfilled and backed up into the estate sewers.”
Despite these objections, the council’s planning committee deemed the proposal acceptable.
On the sewage issue, they wrote:
“The proposal seeks to discharge foul water into the existing mains sewage network, which would be acceptable in principle, and any connections should be made in consultation with Southern Water.
“The supporting information sets out that the proposal would discharge to the public foul water sewer in Pinks Lane and that this would be pumped.
“Concerns have been raised in comments regarding the ability to provide this infrastructure due to matters relating to ownership, however this would be an acceptable approach in principle and matters relating to ownership are not a material planning consideration.
“In addition, Southern Water have a statutory duty to ensure that the system is satisfactory and fit for purpose and does not lead to issues locally or elsewhere.”
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