Have you heard about the notable appeal decision in Goring-by-Sea?

The Inspector has allowed the development of 475 homes by Persimmon Homes in Goring-by-Sea. This approval was given despite finding conflict with draft policies in the new Worthing Local Plan (at examination), adopted Core Strategy policies and that the development would have adverse landscape impacts, moderate transport impacts and result in the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land.

Despite all of these possible reasons for refusal, the Inspector found that Worthing’s “exceptional unmet need for housing” was reason enough to allow the appeal and grant planning permission. The appeal decision states in very strong terms that the scale of unmet housing need?in Worthing “should be afforded very significant weight and at the uppermost end of the spectrum” and recognises that severe under-delivery of new homes is not just a policy issue but that “the consequences that flow from this unmet need are considerable and affect real people, often in urgent need of affordable homes”.

(APP/M3835/W/21/3281813)

Lewis & Co Planning will be monitoring the implications of this decision and any changes in the weight given to new housing developments in areas with the most severe shortages of housing land. The Government’s housing delivery test data shows that coastal towns in the South East are some of the worst affected by land supply shortages. If you think that this development could have implications for your own site then get in touch with Lewis & Co Planning to discuss your development strategy on 01273 413700.