Goring Gap homes: groups criticise ‘disastrous’ appeal decision

Developer Persimmon now has permission in principle to build 475 homes and a three-arm roundabout on land to the north-west of Goring-by-Sea railway station. Worthing Borough Council’s planning committee rejected the plans in March last year but the developer lodged an appeal. The potential effects of the development on traffic, the South Downs National Park, and the area’s heritage and character have been of concern to residents. But on Friday (February 25), planning inspector Rory Cridland announced his decision to allow Persimmon’s appeal. Worthing Borough Council has vowed to fight the plans, with leader Kevin Jenkins saying: ““We will now be reviewing our options and will do everything in our power to protect this important green space from development.” Local groups have also voiced their dismay at the appeal being allowed. David Bettiss, chairman of the Ferring Conservation Group, said the decision was ‘disastrous’ and called for a review. “Hundreds if not thousands of local people, community groups, parish councils, elected representatives, and our MP, Sir Peter Bottomley, objected to this disastrous scheme,” he said. “Even West Sussex County Council Highways objected on the grounds of the effect on our local roads and infrastructure. Now one man with no local connection has overruled all of that, but we all know the issues. “In my view the current planning system is broken and not fit for purpose, and I call on Secretary of State Michael Gove to call this scheme in for review now. “It is a dark day for local democracy and local people.” Planning Inspector Mr Cridland ruled that missed housing targets and the fact that the area has ‘no formal protections’ were reasons to allow the appeal. Kathryn Walker, chairman of the Goring and Ilex Conservation Group, described the planning inspector’s decision as ‘devastating’ and ‘an affront to local democracy in Worthing’. She said: “1,250 local residents, all local amenity groups, and all Worthing councillors had vigorously opposed the scheme. “Even if all the green spaces were developed, Worthing would never achieve the government housing targets. “Once again, local democracy has been sacrificed and the consequences for Worthing are dire. “There will be more traffic and delays, heavier demands on local services like doctors, dentists, and schools and the loss of a valued green space for all the people in Worthing, Goring and Ferring.” Susan Belton, chairman of The Worthing Society, and Anthony Malone, president of the society, said the decision marked ‘a sad day for conservation in Sussex’. “The gap, which is within the setting of the South Downs National Park, is highly valued by residents of Ferring and Goring for the landscape, farmland, and wildlife habitat,” said Ms Belton. “The impact of 475 dwellings on the infrastructure and roadways will be severe. “Driving along Littlehampton Road it is obvious that the existing road network is already under severe strain. “The Worthing area has very few open green spaces remaining. “This is a very sad day for conservation in Worthing and the surrounding environs. “It is time to lobby the Government for a review of the housing targets for this area and its unique geographical setting. “This decision illustrates that the work of the conservationist has never been more needed and the Worthing Society committee will continue to make every effort to safeguard our remaining open green spaces.” Ed Miller, also of the Ferring Conservation Group, was present during the public inquiry last month and claimed the government was prioritising housing targets over wildlife. “Environment campaigners on the Ferring side of the gap that separates them from Goring were bitterly disappointed to see the inspector’s letter,” Mr Miller said. “It is almost unbelievable that when 1,250 local residents, all local amenity groups, and all the Worthing Councillors, say ‘no’, the Government says ‘yes’. “We all highly value these gaps – on both sides of Worthing – for the landscape, the farmland, the break in development, the wildlife habitat. “But all the Government values it for is as a contribution to a nationally set housing target which is literally impossible for Worthing to deliver.” Mr Miller said extra vehicles associated with the development could ’cause gridlock on local roads’. “But worse than that is the loss of open green space, valuable farmland, wildlife habitat, and the distinctiveness of Ferring as a village surrounded by green fields on the north, east and west, and the sea to the south,” he said. “This is a black day for Ferring, and for conservation in West Sussex.” During the appeal, both Persimmon and the council came to an agreement that the development would do ‘less than substantial harm’ to nearby heritage assets. A planning condition means the developer must also submit drawings showing how the homes will look and a construction management plan to minimise disruption to local people and wildlife. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted Persimmon Homes for comment.