6 September 2011
After much thought and discussion it has been decided to withdraw the proposal by Dorton Demolition for the temporary use of Kingston Railway Wharf for crushing and storing concrete.The site is owned by Shoreham Port and the Dorton Group were going to rent the site, subject to planning permission. The planning application has been with West Sussex County Council now for some time.
We are fully behind the regeneration of the area along that part of the river but it isn't going to happen overnight and temporary uses will continue to be explored.
The principle of temporary uses is well established as stated in the Interim Planning Guidance while the long term plans for the area are firmed up through Adur's Core Strategy and the Area Action Plan.
The context with this particular site is that it is a wharf that can be used for aggregates, but has been empty for some time. Three other temporary uses have been given planning permission in the past year or so - Kendall’s concrete batching plant (private), Stamco builders merchants (SPA land) and Day Aggregates bagging plant (other half of Kingston Railway Wharf). The remaining site has had a long history of industrial type use. The site had been on the market for a long time before the interest from Dorton. The lack of serious interest in the site, other than from Dorton, has mainly been due to the limited offer of only a short term lease.
The three local authorities have recently backed our Port Masterplan, which states our long term intentions to see the Western Arm/Adur River area redeveloped for new homes and business space, but it also says the sites should be used temporarily while detailed plans are drawn up and land is assembled.
With regard to this particular proposal we originally felt an acceptable scheme could be agreed with the planning authority. However, Adur District Council objected and the application has subsequently been delayed more than once due to WSCC's request for further information. Many residents on Shoreham Beach have also expressed their concern about potential dust and noise from the crushing machine.
Peter Davies – Development Director commented “ Given the level of concern and continuing uncertainty of whether or not it would get planning permission we have now met with the MD of the Dorton Group and agreed between us they will withdraw the application and look for another site.
The site at Kingston Railway Wharf will go back on the market to see if we can find another tenant. We would prefer a port operation if one can be found, but if not we will look for other temporary uses. “
