Appeal to build on greenfield site rejected

The Planning Inspectorate rejected Persimmon Home's appeal to build 475 homes on Goring Gap

Campaigners are celebrating after winning their battle to prevent 475 homes from being built on one of the last greenfield sites in Worthing.

The developer, Persimmon Homes, submitted a plan for its Chatsmore Farm project, in Goring, West Sussex, but lost the appeal against Worthing Borough Council's (WBC) refusal to approve its proposal back in 2021.

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes said: "We are naturally disappointed with the decision of the planning inspector.

Councillor Sophie Cox, leader of WBC, said it was "time for Persimmon to abandon its housing plans for Chatsmore Farm".

Persimmon Homes said: "Our goal all along has been to help alleviate Worthing's exceptional housing need by building affordable homes for local people."

Former Conservative MP for Worthing West, Sir Peter Bottomley, who has long fought to protect Goring Gap from development, told Radio Sussex that the "battle is not over", as big companies have "top barristers who can help them fight their cases".

"The decision by the planning inspectorate is welcomed, but it should never gone to appeal in the first place," he added.

Councillor Cox said: "We have always been clear we would protect Chatsmore Farm from development and I'm delighted and relieved by the planning inspector's decision," she added.

"We recognise the pressing need for more new homes in Worthing, particularly affordable homes, but they must be in the right areas, not on green spaces like Chatsmore Farm."