Titnore latest far cry from original

THE dust is settling on last month's decision by Worthing Borough Council's planning committee to refuse planning permission for the 875-home scheme at West Durrington.

As forewarned by the Herald, following the immediate, euphoric reaction to the decision, these are still early days in the West Durrington drama.

Planning permission was refused on the grounds that the need for and benefits of the development would not outweigh the adverse environmental impact.

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That went down well with the very well-attended, and often vociferous, planning committee meeting in the Assembly Hall on March 15.

But the extent of that "victory" can be viewed more objectively in the light of a planning document considered at the full council's meeting held yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

The council's core strategy now envisages a 700-plus homes provision for the area, reflecting the outcome of the March 15 planning committee meeting.

The strategy has been amended to state that the majority of Titnore and Goring Woods are not within the area proposed for redevelopment, and continues, "however, there are two woodland strips within the site which will restrict the potential for development adjacent to Titnore Lane".

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It appears that these are not now scheduled for development, and, subsequently the ancient woodland trees they contain are not threatened.

Also, this obviates the need for a controversial access road from Titnore Lane to the development.

All this is a far cry from original proposals, which envisaged the felling of 280 trees, later amended to "only" 75.

It remains doubtful whether the trees' salvation will satisfy the demands of Titnore's "Swampies" and their supporters, especially as the West Durrington scheme is described in the core strategy as "progressing" through the planning system.

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And a further parcel of land, able to accommodate a further 375 homes, is still highlighted as a potential future development area.

The strategy is, however, not due to be ratified for another 18 months, and a new government might have different ideas on Prescott's housing targets.

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