Protesters descend as Titnore meeting gets underway

Adorned with leaves, banging drums and waving banners, they were keen to voice their discontent before the meeting of Worthing Council's planning committee.

The committee is being recommended to approve the plans for 875 homes at Titnore Lane, West Durrington.

Police were out in force before the meeting, which started at 2pm, and protesters were searched on their way in to ensure the meeting went smoothly.

Opening the meeting, councillor John Livermore explained there would be speeches in favour of and against the proposal.

This was greeted by a cry of "no-one's in favour of it" from the floor.

Questions from the public were rapturously applauded, councillors were jeered and the assertion that the meeting was 'part of the democratic process' provoked mass laughter.

First speaker, Robin Rogers, Lib Dem councillor for Castle ward, raised many questions about the development.

He said Worthing was "woefully short" of green space, expressed concern the site was prone to flooding and worried about the extra demand more housing would bring - saying schools close to the site are full and the extra traffic would place huge strain on existing roads.

A decision is expected by about 6pm tonight.

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