Plans to build a skatepark in Durrington have been put on hold as Worthing Borough Council considers whether the money could be used for more suitable facilities.

The scheme relates to a Section 106 financial contribution from the developers of 700 new homes in West Durrington.

The payment of £120,000 was originally earmarked for an off-site skatepark within the Durrington and Northbrook wards.

However, Worthing Borough Council is seeking a deed of variation to the contract to allow the money to be used for alternative youth-focused facilities, following further consultation with residents.

Plans to build a skatepark in Durrington have been put on hold. Image: Google

placeholder image — Plans to build a skatepark in Durrington have been put on hold. Image: Google

The 2012 legal agreement between the council and the developer states that any part of the contribution that is unused or uncommitted within five years of payment will need to be returned.

The deadline for the first instalment is March 14, 2027, and the £42,944.27 payment will need to be repaid with interest.

The council has acknowledged that another consultation is necessary, which will take a considerable amount of time to complete. It is also seeking to extend the agreement by around 18 to 24 months to avoid repayments early next year.

The West Durrington Consortium, comprising Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry, said: “Our primary concern is that the funds continue to be used for recreational provision that will directly benefit residents of our development site and the surrounding area.

“We would therefore expect any revised use of the contribution to remain focused on facilities serving the local community, rather than being directed towards borough-wide provision or projects located outside the immediate locality.”

The consortium has given its support in principle for reallocating the contribution, subject to further understanding of the proposed changes. It has also said it would not be prepared to meet any legal or professional costs associated with the variation.

Officers had recommended that the Planning Committee approve the two changes to the Section 106 agreement at its meeting on November 11.

However, the item was removed from the agenda after officers said the report needed updating and reformatting.

Councillors were told the matter would return to a future meeting, and were invited to submit any concerns in writing ahead of its return.