Persimmon Homes is continuing to press for permission to build 475 properties on the green gap between Worthing and Ferring despite losing a series of court challenges.

The matter will now be considered by a new public inquiry to be held at Worthing Town Hall from Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th February, Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th February and Tuesday 20th to Wednesday 21st February 2024.

Members of the community can have their say by submitting comments at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or by emailing tim.salter@planninginspectorate.gov.uk, using appeal reference 3281813. 

The deadline for comments is Monday 6th November. Any comments on Persimmon’s application that have been made previously will also be considered again by the inspector. 

Cllr Dr Beccy Cooper, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “We have said it before and we will say it again - Chatsmore Farm is not for housing and we will fight to protect it.

“We’re preparing our case for the public inquiry but we would welcome the support of anyone from the community who wants to add their voice to this campaign.

“We have told Persimmon no and our citizens have said no. It’s really disappointing that Persimmon continues to push ahead with its challenge, but we can and must win this battle to save Chatsmore Farm.”  

Since the original planning decision was made, the council has adopted the Worthing Local Plan - the planning blueprint agreed with government inspectors that sets out where new homes can and can’t be built. It has therefore submitted to the public inquiry additional grounds for why the application should not be allowed, including that the development lies outside the built up area, would damage the designated green gap and would negatively affect the setting of South Downs National Park.

The council has asked Persimmon to consider withdrawing its appeal but the company has refused to do so.