Case Studies, Planning Applications
Flood Risk, Residential Development

Waller Planning were appointed to put together a planning application for around 180 apartments, and commercial development, involving the redevelopment of a brownfield site in Shoreham-By-Sea. The site contained a car dealership and associated motor repairs buildings, and a large tarmac-covered car park. It was allocated for redevelopment in the Council’s Local Plan, with a requirement that the new development should form part of new flood defences for the town, and that it should provide new public walking routes and a connection to the nearby town centre.

Beginning during the lockdowns imposed due to Covid-19, we worked remotely via video calls, with a multi-disciplinary team including Bryant and Moore Architects, Stantec (highways and drainage) and Allen Pyke Associates (landscape and townscape), to put together proposals for the site. We also held a succession of “virtual” pre-application meetings with Officers and Councillors from Adur Council. We also presented the proposals to Design South-East in three online design review meetings. At the end of this process, we received the support of Officers and Design South-East.

Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, we arranged and hosted a number of public exhibitions, at which the proposed development was discussed with members of the public, and elected Councillors.

The proposed development sought to provide a barrier to flood water from the adjacent River Adur, by raising the level of land within the site, and using both the buildings and the open areas within the site as a barrier. The level of the land would match that of an adjacent development, and once all of the proposed new development sites on the river frontage were redeveloped, this would create a continuous flood defence. This did not prevent us proposing an underground car park, in a semi-basement. Commercial uses were to be included at the ground floor level, whilst residential accommodation had to be provided at first floor level and above, in order to satisfy the Environment Agency’s requirements.

The buildings were designed to respond to local policy requirements, which set out guidance on the height of buildings facing the road and river frontages, and within the site. This was subject to detailed scrutiny from Officers and Design South-East, informed by a Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment.

The public spaces within the site were designed with great care, to ensure that they would provide a range of different places for local people and residents, and also public routes between a riverside walkway and the town. Placing car parking underground, and limiting access for vehicles to the central part of the site, allowed for a far more attractive and safe environment for pedestrians.

The first application to be considered by the Council’s planning committee was supported by Officers, but refused by the committee on the basis of the height of the buildings. We the engaged with the Council and put forward revised proposals, which were accepted by the planning committee, resulting in the grant of planning permission.

View a PDF copy of our Supporting Planning Statement and the Design and Access Statement.