Save our heritage

YOU were good enough to publish my earlier letter (Gazette, April 14) explaining that the lack of a footpath adjoining Bumbles Cottage in Broadmark Lane, Rustington, had been a matter of public concern for many years. The parish council, Rustington Residents’ Association, the Sea Estate Residents’ Association and many residents have requested the county council to make this provision.

The county council has stated that this is feasible but cannot be progressed, as it would cause inadequate visibility sight lines at the junction of Vernon Close and Broadmark Lane. The council’s alternative suggestion is possible redevelopment involving the loss of this historic, listed building.

The application for flats at the north-east junction of Vernon Close and Broadmark Lane (Gazette story, March 21), which prompted my letter, has now been refused planning permission by Arun, but an appeal has been lodged.

This will be dealt on the basis of written statements and a site visit. Any public representations must be lodged with the Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/20, Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, quoting the appeal reference number APP/C3810/A/11/2153676, no later than July 14.

After 30 years of public effort to secure this much-needed footpath, while at the same time saving Bumbles Cottage from redevelopment, it would now be a tragedy if the appeal should succeed, and the opportunity was lost.

May I therefore request those readers who are concerned with the preservation of Rustington’s building heritage and also pedestrian safety to write urgently to the Planning Inspectorate so that their views are fully taken into account in the inspector’s determinaton of the appeal.

Kenneth W. Grimes

Broadmark Avenue

Rustington