Appeal over Goring Gap leisure site to be contested by Worthing Borough Council

The proposal, submitted by Christopher Dixon, includes overnight camping for kite surfers and sea swimmers, a car park for up to 100 vehicles, food and drink stalls, toilets, a children’s play area and space for community activities.

Mr Dixon appealed against the council after it failed to make a decision on the application by its original deadline of August 19.

Officers had recommended the council contest the appeal on the grounds that the development would cause harm to the protected Local Green Gap between Goring and Ferring, and that there was a lack of information demonstrating that vehicles could safely enter and leave the site.

Speaking at the planning committee meeting on October 28, Mr Dixon defended the proposals and said he wanted to provide facilities for families visiting the area.

He said: “One of the visions for the site was to have this large shaded sandpit the kids could play in while parents could sit knowing that children couldn’t get out anywhere and they could relax and socialise.”

Officers said the proposed facilities, equipment and parking would harm the openness of the gap, with the concentration of objects considered to be “intrusive to this rural setting”.

Mr Dixon also defended the appearance of the proposed facilities and added: “If we look at our nearest rival we’ve got the Sea Lane Café, their whole beachfront is covered in tables and chairs and everything on the beach and they’ve even got a sauna that’s on the beach.”

He also said the site had operated without litter problems and that representatives from environmental health, police and licensing had found it had operated in an “exemplary manner” at the end of the season.

Ward Councillor, Ian Davey, urged the committee to support officers’ recommendation, saying: “Goring Gap is a much loved green space valued by residents and visitors alike. The strength of feeling is reflected in the 366 objections submitted to this application.”

He added: “Green gaps exist for a reason to protect our landscape and maintain separation between communities. This proposal would undermine the protection and should not be allowed.”

A total of five letters of support were submitted.

The site is within a designated Local Green Gap, an area protected to help keep settlements such as Goring and Ferring separate and preserve their character.

Councillors were also presented with concerns about road safety, with West Sussex County Council asking for more information about how vehicles would enter and leave the site.

Cllr Davey said: “Without this essential information the council cannot properly assess the traffic impact, establish whether vehicles can enter and leave safely or determine whether effective mitigation is possible.”

He added: “The council should not be expected to accept a proposal when the evidence needed to establish safety and acceptability has not been supplied.”

Although the proposals include setting aside land for wildlife and producing natural green energy, officers concluded these benefits would not outweigh the harm to the area.

Councillors unanimously backed officers’ recommendations to contest the appeal.

The final decision on the application will be made by the Planning Inspectorate as part of the appeal process.