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Plans to build 475 homes in the Goring Gap have been described as ‘defective in all respects’ by planning officers and unanimously rejected by Worthing councillors.

During a meeting of the borough council’s planning committee last night, the application to develop the fiercely protected land at Chatsmore Farm was given short shrift by everyone from residents to MP Sir Peter Bottomley.

Susan Belton, chair of the Worthing Society, told the meeting that to allow the plans from applicant Persimmon would have a ‘catastrophic effect’ on the area.

She added: “Our landscapes are an irreplaceable heritage resource and a legacy for our future generations.

“They must be protected from the damaging impact of inappropriate development.”

She needn’t have worried, though. The committee was fully behind the 1,243 people who wrote in to object to the plans.

‘Defective in all respects’ development in Goring Gap emphatically rejected