Government back New Monks Farm decision

Adur District Council leader Neil Parkin has welcomed news that the application to build 600 homes and an IKEA superstore in Lancing will not be reviewed by the government.

The Council’s Planning Committee approved the proposal for New Monks Farm in October 2018 subject to it being referred to the Secretary of State for Communities.

Today (22nd May, 2019), the Council received notification from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government it would not be called in - meaning the decision to approve the application stands.

Speaking after receiving the news, Cllr Parkin said: ”After seven months of waiting, I very much welcome this decision from the government which gives certainty to the developer while also providing a massive shot in the arm for our local economy.

“This application was one of the largest ever in Adur’s history promising an investment of more than £150 million and the creation of hundreds of homes and jobs, along with community space, in our area.”

The application from New Monks Farm Development, a subsidiary of Brighton and Hove Albion FC, is for land between Shoreham and Lancing which borders the A27 and Shoreham Airport.

Thirty per cent of the homes are affordable and 108 families from Adur's housing waiting list will get the chance to move to the new development.

Plans also include the provision of a new roundabout on the A27, a country park, land for a school and a community hub. It will also see the relocation and expansion of the Withy Patch Gypsy and Traveller site.