A housing scheme that received more than 500 objections has been blocked at appeal after the plans were deemed to harm local heritage assets.
The proposal, for 67 homes south of Ancton Lane in Middleton-on-Sea, near Bognor Regis, had been put forward by Kinsted Developments LLP.
Arun District Council had previously refused planning permission for the development in April last year and the decision was then appealed.
However, the planning inspectorate concluded on April 17 that the development would not preserve the setting of several listed buildings and their rural context.
Planning inspector Andrew McGlone said that the proposals would impact the settings of the nearby Manor Farmhouse and Ancton House Hotel and their features of special architectural or historic interest.
Both buildings are Grade II listed.
Additional harm was identified to several non-designated heritage assets in the area, including Ancton Manor Historic Farmstead and Ancton Barn, due to the loss of their agricultural setting.
The plans for the land had received more than 500 objections (Image: Google)
The proposed four-hectare site is located on greenfield land previously used for grazing, and the housing scheme had included a mix of detached and semi-detached properties and bungalows.
In his refusal, Mr McGlone also raised concerns about the impact on the land, which is deemed best and most versatile agricultural land, meaning it is the most productive and efficient for food production.
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Objections to the scheme had previously been raised by Middleton-on-Sea Parish Council and hundreds of nearby residents.
In its objection, the parish council wrote that the plans were “fundamentally a money-making exercise for the developers”.
It added that the “infrastructure, roads, drainage, sewage and public services” in the area were already under considerable pressure, and the plans would be to the “detriment of the lives of existing residents”.
Despite some public benefits identified by the inspector, such as contributions to housing supply and the provision of affordable homes, these were judged to be insufficient to outweigh the heritage harm described.