Call to protect green gap as key consultation underway

Castle ward councillor Luke Proudfoot has urged residents to help him protect Chatsmore Farm – the green space between Worthing and Ferring.

Worthing Borough Council’s local plan consultation began on Wednesday, with residents asked to identify land they think is suitable – and unsuitable – for development.

Mr Proudfoot said: “It is vitally important that this piece of land is protected. The land is a strategic green gap visually separating Worthing and Ferring. It is also on the border of the South Downs National Park and at risk of flooding from Ferring Rife.”

Mr Proudfoot said recent developments had left local infrastructure at ‘breaking point’.

He added: “We are working to improve things for our residents but the possibility of many hundreds more housing units will make the situation much worse in this area.

“I intend to make my views clear in the consultation and am urging all residents to do the same and show the strength of feeling on this issue.”

The local plan will identify areas of land which can be developed until 2033.

The consultation is seeking views on how best to balance growth and regeneration across the borough to meet future needs, while at the same time protecting the areas valued by the community.

Bryan Turner, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Worthing is a great place is live and work, recently making the national press as one of the most desirable in the country.

“It is important to ensure that we plan for appropriate growth and development which maintains this reputation for the town.

“We would like to invite as many people as possible to provide feedback on the issues identified in this consultation document, so that our vision for the future reflects the views of those living in Worthing.”

After the six-week consultation, comments will help inform future decisions on which sites will be proposed for allocation and which policies will be included in the emerging local plan.

Consultation documents are available at the council offices and town libraries, with digital copies at www.adur-worthing.gov.uk

The six weeks will end on June 22.