The full council met on Thursday, June 29 with members agreeing by a 12-three majority to object to the scheme on a number of grounds, including a lack of transport links and concerns over how "eco" the town would really be.

Mike Northeast, councillor for Ham ward, was one of the three Labour members voting against the resolution.

Regeneration

He said: "I thought one of the prime tasks of regeneration was tackling deprivation.

"There are 4,000 on the housing waiting list, a poor skills base, we need better housing, and good jobs.

"Ford is offering this, and please note I'm using the word offering.

James Walsh, councillor for Beach ward, who sat on Arun District Council's select committee on the subject, disputed claims that people on the housing list in Littlehampton would be happy to move to Ford.

Better roads

"We heard evidence from housing officers at Arun District Council that people want to stay near their family.

"They do not want to move to Ford."

He added that any talk of developers paying for better road links, in the form of an Arundel bypass, was thrown out of the debate on the second day of the two-week hearing.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Northeast said he was disappointed with the way the vote had gone as Littlehampton will have to make up the short-fall.

-----------------------------
Click here to return to Gazette news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Gazette: roger.green@littlehamptongazette.co.uk