Goring-by-Sea could see 475 homes built - residents furious

People were seen with homemade banners in Chatsworth Farm, near Goring-by-Sea, on Saturday, in a fight to protect the loss of their green space.

Developer Persimmon initially lost its bid to build 475 homes at Chatsworth Farm, but have since won their appeal and been given the go ahead.

Leading the protests was Labour councillor Beccy Cooper, who was seen addressing angry attendees via megaphone.

Great demo and speeches at proposed Persimmon development site at Chatsmore Farm. Here’s ⁦@BeccyCooper4Lab⁩ drawing attention to the role green spaces play in keeping us healthy. A lot of upset and angry residents who said they are not being listened to. #savegoringgap pic.twitter.com/QFB7RgU8HY

— WorthingCAN 🌍 (@WorthingCan) March 26, 2022

In a video on social media, Cllr Cooper to the crowd: “I’m a doctor, so as well as being involved with Covid, I’m also really involved with keeping our communities well and healthy, and part of that is having access to good, green spaces in the areas where we live.

“And if we get rid of those, if we get rid of the things that keep us healthy and well, we’re not only causing problems for us, here and now, we’re causing problems for future generations.”

Angry protesters fighting for their green spaces in Chatsworth Farm

Residents fear that the development will have a severe impact on the area’s traffic and heritage.

The decision to allow the plans was made in February by planning inspector Rory Cridland, after Worthing Borough Council’s planning committee previously rejected the idea.

A spokesman for Persimmon homes said: "The recent decision by the independent planning inspector confirmed that this site would make a meaningful contribution to meeting Worthing’s 'exceptional' unmet housing need.

"The independent inspector noted 'the consequences of the unmet need are considerable and affect real people, often in urgent need of affordable homes'. 

"They also recognised that the site is located next to both an existing built-up area and the town’s train station, and will create a number of other benefits for local people.

“We remain committed to working constructively with Worthing Borough Council.”