Update on the Fight to Save Goring Gap
Residents in Ferring, Kingston, Goring and surrounding communities have confidence that they are represented vocally and actively by me in the long-standing fight to protect our green spaces.
I am pleased to provide an update on planning applications and appeals regarding both the Southern and Northern Goring Gap.
At the License Sub-Committee in Worthing on March 27th, I spoke for everyone except the promoter when opposing the application for an alcohol licence for land on the ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐ฝ.
The application was firmly rejected as was the application for a Certificate of Lawful Development on the same location and the application to put a 40ft shipping container on the site.
The promoter has not hidden his desire to see the entirety of Goring Gap being developed - this could have been a first step in making that possible.
These are three victories for local residents and for common sense. Surrounding communities will share in relief at this further step in rejecting the flagrant attempt to shoehorn in houses on the Goring Gap.
On the Northern Gap at ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐๐๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐บ, Persimmon Homes continue to charge on with their plans to build 475 properties on the green gap between Worthing and Ferring despite losing a series of court challenges. The company has refused to consider withdrawing its appeal.
Their latest appeal was set to be considered at a public inquiry in February 2024. However, the hearing has been pushed back to the autumn due to the inspectorโs health. We wish the Inspector a speedy recovery and look forward to the opportunity to put an end to Persimmonโs wanton attempts to concrete over our Goring Gap.
Let us continue to work together to keep the fields, maintain our natural gaps, and support developments where appropriate and where wanted.