Durrington deadline approaches

Members of Worthing's Green Party gathered at Titnore Woods, Titnore Lane, last week, to remind passers-by the deadline for objections to the brief to build 800 homes and community facilities on the site is noon tomorrow.

But according to Worthing planners, residents will be given more opportunities to object against the scheme, which has been agreed by planners in principal, when revised plans are put on display for public consultation.

John Dwyer, of the Green Party, said: "Our aim was to let people know about the count-down to doom and that it was one of their last chances to get in their opinions on the development before the bulldozers are brought in.

"We had a good response from passers-by and they were tooting their car horns and waving. We also had some children at the demonstration as we wanted to show them what they are going to miss in the future."

Joan Glass, also of the Green Party, said: "I walked up the lane with a placard and I got a really good response from people."

Mrs Glass said members drummed up support by setting up an information stall in Worthing town centre last week. Dr Caroline Lucas, Green Party MEP for South East England, was at the demonstration.

She said: "I was very sad to hear that the Planning Inspectorate has given approval in principle to go ahead with development at this site, despite concerted community campaigning to preserve the woods for posterity.

"Any development on this woodland site will be damaging, but under UK planning laws there is no third party right of appeal against the Local Plan when it has passed through the Inquiry stage.

"Nevertheless, it is still worth people responding to the council consultation spelling out their concerns over damage to the environment and the impact on the transport infrastructure.

"I hope the council notes these worries when they deal with planning applications for Titnore Lane."