West Sussex Council declares four properties surplus to requirements

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 15:19 · Archive

West Sussex County Council has declared three buildings and a plot of land surplus to requirements. The decision regarding Littlegreen School caretaker's cottage in Compton, Browning Cottage in North Lancing, 112 Sompting Road in Broadwater, and a plot of land at Guernsey Farm in Middleton-on-Sea was taken by Jane Davey, cabinet member for finance and property.

The Littlegreen School caretaker's cottage has been vacant since the previous caretaker retired. It had been leased to Solent Academy Trust, which has surrendered it back to the council. Browning Cottage stands at the entrance to North Lancing Primary School. The previous secure tenant has passed away. Legal proceedings are being carried out to return 112 Sompting Road in Broadwater to the council following the death of its tenant. The land at Guernsey Farm was first declared surplus in October 2025 and was re-declared with an additional section of land to ensure the site fits with current boundaries.

The council must now decide whether to sell the properties or retain them for future projects including redevelopment, regeneration, active travel or social, community or environmental use. Some councillors have suggested the cottages could be used for social housing, though as the council is not the housing authority, that option is not available.

How it is being reported

• Three buildings and land declared surplus to requirements by councilThree buildings and a parcel of land have been declared surplus to requirements by West Sussex County Council.The Argus · 8 Oct, 14:30
• Land and buildings declared surplus to requirementsThree buildings and a parcel of land have been declared surplus to requirements by West Sussex County Council.Chichester Observer · 6 Oct, 16:20

In this story: West Sussex County Council · Jane Davey · Solent Academy Trust · Compton · North Lancing · Broadwater · Middleton-on-Sea

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