Goodwood claims local housing plan threatens circuit’s future

Last April the Commercial Estates Group submitted an application to Chichester District Council to build 350 new homes half a mile from the Westhampnett circuit.

The Goodwood estate, which was supported in its original objection by the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars company, has now opposed a revised request that reduced the proposed number of new homes to 300.

"This demonstrates an appreciation by the applicant that the original application proposed far too many dwellings, but this reduction does not in any way make the development more acceptable," a Goodwood statement, submitted by consultant agency Terence O'Rourke last month, said in response to the revised application.

"The Estate retains its objection to this development scheme as it believes that it is in the wrong location, poorly thought out and planned, and harmful to the future economic, social and environmental interests of the district, and importantly to the setting of the Goodwood Estate.

"Inappropriate development or policies affecting any part or setting of the Estate will jeopardise its long-term viability and sustainability, reversing the long-fought battle to return it to solvency and retain it as a complete entity rather than be broken up.

"The potential impact on the Goodwood Estate, through potential threats to its operation, will seriously threaten the Estate's long-term sustainability and the long-term preservation of the heritage asset."

CEG claims the site would be outside the 400-metre boundary highlighted in a Chichester council report as a general guideline for any housing development in the vicinity of the circuit.

But the Goodwood statement claimed that some of the site would be within that buffer, which does not guarantee residents will not be disturbed by noise anyway.

"The proximity of the site to the motor circuit remains a concern and the reduction in numbers will still mean that there is a sizable new population created, close to the motor circuit, that may complain regarding the noise," it continued.

"It is illogical to place housing in a location that will invite more complaint.

"Although the motor circuit is well managed, this does not mean there are no complaints and the Estate is fearful that development of this site will place an increased number of sensitive receptors close to a source of potential noise nuisance."

Goodwood's first event of the year takes place this weekend with the 73rd Members' Meeting. The circuit, which is used regularly as a testing venue, also hosts the Revival, while the Festival of Speed takes place on the estate.