VOTE: Fury at plans for 1,250 new homes in Durrington
AN "outrageous affront to democracy" is how a Titnore Woods campaigner describes Worthing Council's announcement of revised proposals for the West Durrington homes development.
John Clark, a founder member of Protect Our Woodlands, said he was "furious" the council had not notified his group of the revised outline proposals.
"I think this is disgraceful, it is not democracy at all.
"And as all comments to the council have to be in by January 8, it is appalling timing, with people being busy over the Christmas period. This has come right out of the blue."
A council statement, released on Friday, December 11, said Titnore Lane would keep its rural character under the amended outline planning application for the proposed 875-home development at West Durrington.
Negotiation
After months of negotiations between the West Durrington Consortium and West Sussex County Council, it has been agreed that there will be no extra street lighting or a pedestrian footway along Titnore Lane north of Titnore Way.
And far fewer trees will be axed than was originally feared.
But the revised application says it does not prejudice an extension into land north-east of the present site, which, subject to planning permission, would ultimately provide a total in the region of 1,250 new homes at West Durrington in the period to 2026.
Since the outline application was submitted to the borough council in August, 2008, the South Downs National Park boundary has been agreed and now includes Titnore Woods and Castle Goring.
This boundary adjoins the northern edge of the application site.
Woodland
The developers plan to create a dense woodland buffer at least 12 metres wide between the development and the National Park boundary.
The consortium's original planning application in 2003 proposed straightening Titnore Lane, which would have resulted in the loss of 275 trees.
The revised application of August, 2008, proposed speed management measures rather than straightening or widening Titnore Lane.
Worthing's planning committee will consider the application on January 28.
The application can be inspected at the planning services section, Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing, between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am and 4pm on Friday.
The plans and supporting information can be viewed on www.worthing.gov.uk and at Worthing Central Library.
Comments should sent to James Appleton, executive head of planning, regeneration and well-being, at Portland House, by January 8.
Have your say
Do you think these extra homes should be built in Durrington?
Vote yes or no in the panel to the right of the screen.
What do you think?
How important are these extra homes?
What should be done to protect the countryside?
Share your views, comment below, email the Herald or write in to Readers' Letters, Worthing Herald, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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