History of West Wittering Estate
History of West Wittering Estate
Early Plans for Development
In late 1951, news spread that the Church Commissioners were in talks with Billy Butlin or the National Union of Mineworkers. They aimed to establish a holiday complex at West Wittering. At the time, the Commissioners owned all the foreshore and coastal farmland. This included East Head, Snowhill Green, and land extending to Jolliffe Road’s new estate, south of Cakeham Road.
Local Residents Take Action
Concerned about potential development, a small group of residents took action. Led by Phillip Whitehead and John Widdows, they formed the West Wittering Preservation Trust. Their goal was to protect land around the car park, which had been a thriving commercial venture since the early 1920s.
The Commissioners were expected to ask at least £22,000 for the area. This included East Head, Coastguard Lane, the playing field (now leased to the village school), and Car Park Road up to Pound Road. The West Wittering Parish Council sought help from Chichester District Council, but no support came. Local residents had to raise the funds themselves.
Formation of West Wittering Estate Limited
In the end, 126 residents subscribed to a new company. In July 1952, West Wittering Estate Limited purchased the land for £20,546, including stamp duty and legal fees. The company’s objectives were clear:
“To preserve the beach and waters for safe and peaceful public enjoyment and maintain the rural, undeveloped nature of the land and its surroundings.”
Members also hoped the car park would generate enough revenue to support these efforts. Over time, membership grew to more than 450. Whenever shares became available, local homeowners quickly snapped them up.
Creation of Cakeham Manor Estate Limited
Also in July 1952, 48 residents formed a separate company, Cakeham Manor Estate Limited. They purchased 199 acres of coastal farmland, 13 acres of greensward, Cakeham Manor, and other properties. This included undeveloped plots on East and West Strand, Berry Barn Lane, and two derelict cottages at the entrance. The cost was £16,062.
Unlike the West Wittering Estate investors, these subscribers did not expect financial returns. Their goal was simply to protect the land, relying on rental income from the farmland to maintain it.
Further Land Preservation Efforts
In May 1964, West Wittering Estate Limited gifted East Head to the County Council, which passed it on to the National Trust.
By November 1984, the company entered into a management agreement with English Nature. This agreement covered all grazing land between Car Park Road and Snowhill Creek. Today, this area, along with East Head, falls under the Chichester Harbour Conservancy SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). As a result, the land is now protected from any development that could alter its rural character.
Additional Land Purchase and Long-Term Protection
In October 1988, householders from Cakeham Manor Estate raised funds once again. With contributions from 34 subscribers, they purchased 91 more acres of farmland for £236,000. This land serves as a vital buffer, preventing urban sprawl from Bracklesham and East Wittering from encroaching on West Wittering. These investors sought no financial return—only the security of their local landscape.
Ongoing Investments and Challenges
In recent years, the car park company has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in improving safety and facilities. This remains an ongoing effort. The Board of Directors remains aware of its responsibility to manage up to 15,000 Sunday visitors. At the same time, they recognize the impact of heavy traffic on local residents.
