Goring Gap developer reports increase in sales and average house prices
475 homes are due to be built
A developer set to build 475 houses in Goring-by-Sea has reported an increase in sales.
Persimmon – which won a planning appeal to build 475 homes on an area of green space known as the Goring Gap in February – says private sales are up two per cent year-on-year.
The UK’s second biggest house builder said the average sales price for its homes has increased to £266,000, compared to £252,000 in 2021.
Persimmon’s CEO Dean Finch said: “Persimmon continues to perform well.
“We are currently trading in line with expectations, demand remains strong, our private average sales rates are circa 2 per cent higher year-on-year and we have a robust forward order book of circa £2.8 billion.”
The CEO said that although completions in the first half of the year were below those in the first half of 2021, they were expected to grow in the second half of 2022.
“While we remain mindful of current uncertainties, particularly regarding consumer confidence, rising interest rates and the impact of the tragic conflict in Ukraine, the board is confident of the group’s future disciplined growth and success,” Mr Finch added.
Worthing Borough Council has fought the developer’s plans to build at Chatsmore Farm from the beginning, originally turning them down in March 2021.
But planning inspector Rory Cridland ruled in Persimmon’s favour following an appeal in February.
Mr Cridland said that, because the Worthing Local Plan had not yet been adopted, the gap has ‘no formal protection’.
However, the council’s legal representatives said a different planning inspector had examined the latest plans and did not identify ‘any fundamental flaws’.
This means the plan is at ‘an advanced stage’, according to the legal advice.
WBC has now called on the High Court to carry out a judicial review into the appeal decision.
If the challenge is allowed, a court hearing will take place.
Speaking on the council’s decision to seek judicial review, a WBC spokesperson said: “Building on Goring Gap might be right for the developer but it is wrong for Worthing.
“We are determined to stop this unwanted development.
“We have now taken our case to the High Court to fight for the right decision to be made, to protect this open space for the community and to prevent the urban sprawl along the coast.”
A spokesperson for Persimmon said the company would not be commenting on the appeal decision.
Paul Cairnes QC represented Persimmon during the appeal in January.
He outlined why the developer views the site as ‘sustainable’ and why ‘benefits could outweigh impacts’.
“The appeal site is enclosed by existing development on three sides in a highly sustainable and accessible location,” he argued.
“The pattern of built development in the area means the site will essentially be a large infill site.
“It would not represent a new outward incursion into the open countryside, nor encroach any closer to the national park than the existing pattern of development.”