MORE than 200 homes have been approved for a development which seeks to solve a town’s ongoing housing shortage.

Plans for the-240 home scheme in West Durrington were unanimously backed by Worthing Borough Council’s planning committee last week.

The proposals for 10 hectare site to the south of Arundel Road in Worthing were brought forward by West Durrington Northern Sector Consortium.

They were approved at the Worthing Borough Council planning committee on Wednesday December 6, subject to a legal agreement which will see the developer bring forward essential infrastructure improvements.

Councillor Paul Yallop, chairman of Worthing Borough Council’s planning committee, said: “The Committee was pleased to see the applicants had taken feedback on board by adopting measures to protect the Castle Goring Conservation Area whilst providing the full quota of 30 per cent affordable housing within the outline plans.

“We look forward to looking at the finer detail of the scheme when the planning process moves on to the next phase.”

As well as the properties, plans include access roads; pedestrian and cycle routes; parking; and sustainable drainage features, such as a pond.

To the north, a three-metre embankment will be built to separate the development from the A27.

Access to the site will be from the south, where 700 new homes are under construction as part of a wider development of the area.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “As a local authority we are committed to making best use of the limited land that we have available for development while making sure we do not damage our unique and special environment. A variety of good quality housing is essential.”

Councillors said the development would help provide much-needed family housing for people in the area.

They also welcomed the fact that up to 72 of the houses will be affordable housing, with 70 per cent of these being made available for affordable rent The development is part of a larger scheme which could see 700 homes added to the area.