Deal improves infrastructure for community and provides much-needed affordable housing

Planning for the original scheme, which was due to consist of 81 apartments with commercial space on the ground floor, was granted last year.

But following advanced talks with the NHS, these plans were revised to allow for a 1,000 square metre medical facility which would ease the pressure on the over-capacity surgery and meet the needs of the existing and future residents in the area. The amended plans meant that the number of apartments was reduced by seven to create the floor space required for the new facility which is subject to funding being acquired by NHS Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group.

Michael Jones Commercial played a key role in overseeing the planning process in response to feedback from residents and the existing surgery’s long search for new premises and are delighted with the outcome.

Steve Berrett, commercial director for Michael Jones, said: “We have been aware of the increasing resource pressures that the local authority has been facing for some time now and are delighted that by working with Rocco Homes, we have provided the opportunity to supply the necessary infrastructure to support the growing local community.”

The commercial team at Michael Jones also played a key role in successfully negotiating a groundbreaking £15million deal between developer Rocco Homes and an institutional buyer who will provide housing under a private rented scheme which will be available towards the end of next year.

Planning agent Chris Barker, of ECE Planning, told Worthing Borough Council’s planning committee: “This application really reinforces the value of local engagement in the development process.

“It is sustainable development meeting the needs of existing and future residents.”