Changes to West Durrington development revealed

The consortium behind the bid, which was first submitted in 2003, now want to create a dense woodland buffer between the northern edge of the proposed development site and the boundary of the South Downs National Park, which was confirmed earlier this year to include part of Titnore Woods and Castle Goring.

And months of negotiations with West Sussex County Council have led to an agreement to "keep the character of Titnore Lane" by not calling for any extra street lighting or a pedestrian footway along the road north of Titnore Way.

The original planning application in 2003 sparked huge protests from environmental campaigners angry at the planned destruction of ancient woodland in Titnore Woods and for the proposed straightening of Titnore Lane, which alone would have resulted in the loss of 275 trees.

Hundreds of locals have taken part in numerous marches and public protests against the scheme, in Durrington and in Worthing town centre.

In May, 2006, a group of protesters set up a tree-camp in the threatened woodland where they have remained since, despite a High Court eviction order, authorising the forced removal of the group, being granted to landowners Clem and Fitzroy Somerset in August, 2006.

In August 2008, after the Worthing Society initiated proceedings to seek a judicial review against the county council's handling of Titnore Lane, a revised application proposed speed management measures instead of straightening or widening Titnore Lane and replacing the previously proposed roundabout with a standard "T" junction.

There would also be an integrated road and footpath system. The plans reduced tree loss by 200 and highlighted a scheme to plant 2,350 new trees across the 40.14 hectare site. The amended planning statement provides an update of ecological matters with a new bat survey.

As well as a mix of residential homes, the proposed development would include a neighbourhood square, central green, medical centre, sports fields, community centre, shop, public art and a new school.

Over 350 letters have been sent to residents and businesses in the area by Worthing Borough Council to let them know the changes to the planning application. The 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 Wellbeing, at Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing, by January 8.

Leave your thoughts on the proposals in the comments section below.

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