Titnore developers back down
woody | 14.06.2010 17:57 | Ecology | South Coast
Below is the Argus report.
So is this it? Are Titnore Woods saved? Where next for the campaign and the camp? This will be the timely topic of discussion at the next Worthing Alliance meeting, which is on Thursday June 24, 8pm, at The Jolly Brewers in Clifton Road, Worthing – not far from the main station.
As ever, all are welcome!
Decision on Titnore plans will not be appealed
Developers will not appeal against a decision to reject plans to build 875 homes which would have seen the destruction of ancient woodland.
Worthing Borough Council rejected proposals for a development at Titnore Woods, near Worthing, in March, because of its impact on wildlife.
Yesterday the West Durrington Consortium said it would not appeal and would now be looking at alternative plans on the outskirts of Worthing.
Protesters set up camp in the treetops in Titnore Wood in May 2006.
The consortium first submitted proposals in 2003 which included the straightening of Titnore Lane, with the loss of 275 trees.
They were later changed to save 200 existing trees, with 2,350 more being planted across the site.
Speed management measures were also proposed rather than the straightening of Titnore Lane, with 20mph limits in the housing areas.
But councillors still feared the plans would cause unacceptable damage to ancient woodland and overdevelop the site.
Yesterday the consortium said it was working on new proposals but would not appeal the council’s decision.
It stated: “We will not appeal against Worthing Council's decision to refuse planning permission for 875 homes.
“In a positive response to the terms of this decision the consortium has now elected to progress alternative proposals over coming months which will very clearly exclude any proposed development of the western area and any direct access to Titnore Lane.”
Council leader Paul Yallop said future development of the area was “up in the air” following a change in Government.
The Conservatives had pledged, prior to the general election, to scrap housing targets which had meant 1,000 houses might still have to be built in West Durrington.
Coun Yallop said: “I am pleased to hear that the consortium is not appealing.
“I am not sure where it is going to go from here because the Government is scrapping targets.
“It is difficult to say what will happen. We do have long waiting lists for housing, but until it is a bit clearer where Government legislation is going I think it's all up in the air.”
woody
Homepage:
http://www.eco-action.org/porkbolter