VILLAGERS from Camelsdale, Hammer and Fernhurst are being asked to have their say on plans to build around 200 homes in the three areas. Chichester District Council has released the draft of its local development framework, a plan to show how it will meet government housing requirements. It has to build a set number of houses - the core strategy requirement - in two waves, one by 2018 and a second set by 2026. Each parish has its targets set, and the district council is required to come up with areas that could meet those targets. Camelsdale and Hammer, areas covered by Lynchmere Parish Council, have been set a maximum target of 110 new homes, while Fernhurst needs to find room for a maximum of 90. The draft document has found room for 70 in Camelsdale and Hammer, and 85 in Fernhurst. However, all the sites listed are merely the best options found at this stage, and the document will now be put out for public consultation. As part of the consultation, there are two public meetings being held on Wednesday, January 31. They will be held at Fernhurst Village Hall and St Paul's Church, Camelsdale, from 4 pm to 6 pm and again from 7 pm to 9 pm. Councillors from the two areas are urging all residents to have their say on the document, which can still be changed while it is in draft format. l Recreation ground fears quashed: See page 12.
