They are under pressure from developers who want to extract maximum profit from their business or residential schemes.

They are having their arm bent by a government which is seemingly intent on concreting over anything which doesn't move.

And last, but not least, they have to answer to an electorate which is ready to pounce on what they consider is the slightest threat to the interests of them personally or to the community at large.

Sixties shoebox legacy

Our planners haven't always got it right in the past, have they?

Sticking to homes at the moment, we are having to live with the legacy of the shoebox-shaped blocks of flats which sprang up everywhere during the '60s and '70s.

Mill Road is one of Worthing's gateway routes which saw too much of this type of development, although recent and current homes schemes in this area show much more respect for the locality's diminishing character.

This improved trend is followed with the sheltered homes scheme proposed for the site of Emmanuel Church in Brougham Road.

This seems an innocuous-enough development, although I wouldn't bet against some neighbours objecting.

What is an undoubted success, however, is the successful blending of new development with the cottage-type ambience of town centre conservation areas, off Montague Street and Rowlands Road.

Bijou enclave

One example is the bijou-homes enclave adjacent to Christ Church Hall, in Portland Road — a dash of character on what was previously in danger of becoming an eyesore site.

The future's bigger build-challenges, of course, include core development areas in the Masterplan.

As with residential construction, business premises are having to come up with more than just functionality to satisfy the planners.

But whatever new emerges in this part of Worthing's hope for the years ahead, it's time to call time on The Law Courts in Christchurch Road.

Ghastly edifice

This ghastly edifice represents the worst of what was once thought to be the desired avant-guarde in architecture.

Now, its factory-like, featureless, concrete slabs are stained and mottled, the steps and ramps are infested with weeds, and even "The Law Courts" lettering above the main entrance is rusting away, leaving filthy smears beneath the actual wording.

The building's dilapidated exterior and environs is not the sort of symbol to command respect for the Law — least of all from those who appear in its courtrooms on charges of vandalism and criminal damage.

The Law Courts building is not the responsibility of the borough or county councils, but it will stick out like a very sore thumb when the Masterplan vision comes to fruition.

The message must go out now to the government department responsible — demolish it!

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