Stubcroft Fields, Stubcroft Lane, East Wittering
16 hectare greenfield site — multiple residential development applications since 2021
Executive summary · AI-drafted, editor-approved
Barratt Homes has made repeated attempts since 2021 to build up to 325 houses on greenfield farmland at Stubcroft Lane, East Wittering. Chichester District Council refused the two main applications in September 2023; both appeals were dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate in November 2024 on grounds of flood risk and loss of best and most versatile agricultural land. Two further applications were submitted in 2024 and remain under consideration.
Key facts
| Applicant | Barratt / David Wilson Homes |
| Site area | 16 hectares |
| Max dwellings | 325 |
| Parish | East Wittering |
| Applications | 6 (inc. 2 appeals) |
Flooding9
Housing9
Green fields8
Environment7
Sewerage7
Transport6
Health4
Employment3
Education4
Planning applications & appeals
| Reference | Date | Summary | Homes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luken Beck Vision StatementStrategic allocation vision for East Wittering | Jul 2017 | Barratt’s pre-application case to CDC Local Plan Review for up to 800 homes across fields from Church Road to Bracklesham Lane. | 800 | Pre-app |
| 21/01090/EIAEIA Screening Opinion — up to 320 dwellings | Apr 2021 | CDC confirmed a full Environmental Impact Assessment was required before any application could proceed. | 320 | Screening |
| 22/02235/OUTOutline — sheltered living, 45 units | 2022 | Refused by CDC Sep 2023 (10 reasons). Appeal APP/3815/W/24/3341439 lodged and dismissed Nov 2024. | 45 | Dismissed |
| 22/02214/FULEIAFull — 280 dwellings, retail & community space | 2022 | Refused by CDC. Appeal APP/3815/W/24/3341520 lodged — both appeals dismissed Nov 2024. | 280 | Dismissed |
| 24/01004/OUTEIAOutline — sheltered living, 45 units | May 2024 | New application submitted following CDC refusal and after appeal lodged. | 45 | Under review |
| 24/01005/FULEIAFull — 268 dwellings, retail & community space | Jun 2024 | New application — dwellings reduced by 12 from refused scheme. | 268 | Under review |
Timeline
Jul 2017Vision Statement submitted to CDC Local Plan Review
Apr 2021EIA Screening Opinion confirms full assessment required
2022Two applications submitted (22/02235 and 22/02214)
Sep 2023Both applications refused by CDC
2024Appeals lodged; two new applications submitted
Nov 2024Both appeals dismissed by Planning Inspectorate
TBCDecision on 2024 applications (24/01004 and 24/01005)
Key documents
| Date | Document | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | Appeal Decision Notices | Inspector dismissed both appeals. Flood risk and loss of best and most versatile agricultural land found to outweigh housing need. High significance | CDC ↗ |
| Sep 2023 | CDC Decision Notices | Committee refused both applications unanimously on 10 grounds including flood plain location and Environment Agency objections. High significance | CDC ↗ |
How to get involved