We would like to answer his points:

The government has currently given Ford a B rating meaning it "might be suitable for an Eco-Town subject to meeting specific planning and design objectives".

Ford is subject to continued consideration and is as likely to be chosen as any of the nine other locations with the same rating.

Transport – there is a "parallel exercise to decide which of the schemes related to the shortlisted locations will get backing or financial support from government through funding of infrastructure or partner public bodies".

The Arundel bypass and A259/A27 link road are not ruled out and a developer contribution is available.

Housing – 2,000 affordable homes are proposed for rent and purchase.

As for a "high-rise" – that is part of the St Modwen proposal for Bognor Regis.

Employment – it is planned to create 4,000 jobs utilising the Eco-Town brand to help attract investors to the district.

Energy – there are several options including Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), biomass, anaerobic digestion or a combination.

Open Space – 40 per cent of the total area will be green space including wetlands, parklands, canals, water features and species-rich gardens.

Flood risk – the site is predominantly Flood Zone 1, the most suitable for development.

A new wetland will be incorporated that will reconnect the River Arun to its flood plain to enable managed flood retreat.

Phasing — no firm programme has yet been developed, pending further dialogue with service providers and the local planning authorities.

Loss of green fields – Ford Airfield is possibly the largest available brownfield site in West Sussex, comprising 30 per cent of the development area.

Utilising this can reduce pressure on greenfield locations elsewhere in the district.

More than 20 per cent will remain in food production use.
Housing need – there are over 4,000 households on Arun's waiting list.

The final submission can be viewed at www.fordairfieldecotown.co.uk – look on the publications page. The appendices contain much of the supporting evidence.

John Penfold, Harold Hall, Tony Dixon, Ford Enterprise Hub, Nyton Road, Aldingbourne

NOTE: All letters must include a name and address which can be withheld by request.

-----------------------------
Click here to return to Gazette letters.

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

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

Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.