Bognor Regis Regeneration Board
Response to Planning Application BR/240/16/PL
Butlins New Swimming Pool Complex
Introduction
The Bognor Regis Regeneration Board was established in 2007 to act as an independent advisory body, bringing together leading representatives from the key public, private and community stakeholders in Bognor Regis. The Board recognises that a collective and cohesive approach can generate and secure the economic benefits sought by those who live and work in Bognor Regis.
The Board has three key objectives:
•To collectively promote Bognor Regis as a great place to live, work, visit and invest
•To consider, give opinion and comment upon how and to what extent planned and proposed developments contribute to:
- the town's growth and development
- addressing and overcoming the town's socio-economic challenges; and,
- maximising benefits and opportunities for the town.
•To consider and evaluate strategies which impact upon the economic growth of Bognor Regis and offer comment, opinion and where appropriate modifications.
In addition, the Board actively promotes the ideals identified in the Bognor Regis Regeneration Partner and Developer Charter, which seeks to raise educational attainment, improve skills, raise average wages, engage with the local community and promote best practice.
ButlinsPlanning Application
The application covers the demolition of the existing swimming pool building & re-instatement of the vacated site as landscaped area; demolition of existing staff & guest accommodation (1,005 bedspaces); the erection of new swimming pool building with external slides & river ride; associated landscaping; new pedestrian links; alterations to existing car parks areas with a proposed decked car park.
Board’s Response
The ButlinsBognor Regis Resort is an integral part of the town significantly contributing to the local and the Coastal West Sussex visitor economy. Over the last seven years Butlins owner, Bourne Leisure, has invested approximately £75million in the resort improving their client offering in respect of attractions and three new hotels.
The new planning application represents a further investment of £35million which will enable the resortto offer a modern state of the art pool complex. This will ensure that current visitor numbers can be sustained whilst positioning the resort for future investmentand growth.
Butlinscontinue to make an important contribution in respect of employment, the economy, skills and training:
- Employ 1300 staff with a payroll value of £16.2million per annum
- An annual spend of £3.25 million with local suppliers and contractors
- A contribution of £0.27 million to sponsor and support local organisations, events and on site meetings.
- Accommodate 250,000 guests per annum, with 30% estimated to visit the town and local area
- A policy of ongoing staff training , improving skills in all areas across the business working with the University of Chichester and Chichester College
The proposed swimming pool complex is carefully designed to reflect the art deco design of seaside pavilions. It is sympathetic to the current resort hotels bringing a distinct improvement to the eastern side of the resort. The addition of a two storey decked car park on the eastern edge of the resort will facilitate the retention of current car parking spaces. It is understood that the design of the car park mitigates visual and any environmental impact for local residents regarding noise, sunlight, daylight, and overshadowing.
The plans submitted identify future investment and growth for the resort. The demolition of old chalets on the eastern side of the resort to accommodate the new complex will result initially in the loss of 1005 bedspaces, some of which are currently for staff who will be accommodated off site. It is intended that the visitor bedspaces will be restored in the futureoffering additional employment opportunities.
In summary the Bognor Regis Regeneration Board welcomes and supports the planning application. It meets the Board’s objectives in promoting growth, investment, training whilst securing the future of Butlinsas an important contributor the local and Coastal West Sussex visitor economy.
David Myers
10thNovember 2016