I understand that a greenfield site to the south east of Birdham Straight opposite the Birdham Store has been proposed as a suitable site for the development of up to 250 houses. This is wholly inappropriate for a number of reasons:

1. A development of this number of houses is completely out of character with the village as it stands today. There has never in the past been a proposed development so disproportionate to the existing size of the village as previous Planning Officials have recognised the folly of such plans. I hope that you will display the same sense.

2. In 2012 the village suffered extensive flooding to numerous properties. The proposed site acts as an extensive sink for excess water every Winter. This Winter was no exception, with a significant proportion of the field flooded for an extended period of time. Where would all this water lay if the field was built on.

3. The facilities and infrastructure of the village will not be able to cope with such overload.

4. Birdham is defined by your organisation as a ‘Settlement Village’ NOT a ‘Settlement Hub‘ and as such it should not be subjected to such overload.