LETTER: In agreement

Worthing, as a seaside town and resort, must resist the temptation of falling into the trap of a grandiose illusion, such as the recently rejected proposed prominent development on that site.

Somewhere along the way, those involved and responsible for the future use of the Aquarena site appear to have allowed their thinking to be distorted from the original proposed planning concept.

A seaside location means it is essential for the town and the local area to maintain a balance between tourism, manufacturing and broad commercial interests.

The obvious reason for this, is that there is only 50 per cent potential use of the surrounding area!

Naturallly, this high-rise/ high-density development would cause a dramatic effect for a seashore that would be severely distorted along with the increase in traffic flow, to and from the adjacent town centre and the beach.

A development such as that rejected from the Aquarena site would be far better located on the controversial Teville Gate site.

A high-rise would look more amenable for that site and still achieve the original concept of maximising the housing potential and also being closer to access the railway and A27.

This would certainly make that location very attractive to commuters as well as local business needing to encourage employees to stay in Worthing.

A high-rise development on this site would also not necessarily have to be as tall as originally proposed for the Aquarena site, probably a maximum of ten storeys would be more than adequate, along with the proposed lower-rise residential structures.

If the current developer is not interested in considering that alternative, then the council should find one who would be more supportive!

As for the Aquarena site, it is necessary and vital for the planners to review the potential site use to a more suitable application preferably based upon leisure/tourism purposes.

With Splashpoint now proving to be a popular facility, surely the element of leisure should be concentrated onto the Aquarena site with such activities that are complimentary to the location. Come on, Worthing residents, let us support and encourage a development that will bring more visitors, provide a service beneficial for the whole town and underline the importance of this site to the local economy!

Peter Mendham

Brighton Road

Worthing

• Want to share your views? Send your letters by email to [email protected] or [email protected], or post them to Letters, Editorial, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA. Remember to include your full name and address.

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