Goring Gap development could be back in court
Worthing Borough Council took developer Persimmon to the High Court in July
Developer Persimmon has been granted leave to appeal the High Court’s decision on Chatsmore Farm, also known as the Goring Gap.
Worthing Borough Council declined planning permission for 475 homes on the land in March last year.
Persimmon appealed the decision with the Planning Inspectorate and won but the council then took this to the High Court in July.
The court ruled in the council’s favour, concluding that the the planning inspector had made an error in his decision making.
But WBC’s leader Beccy Cooper (Lab, Marine) has now confirmed that Persimmon can appeal that decision, opening up the possibility of homes on the green space once again.
It will come as a blow to the council and to locals who have been fighting the plans.
The news was heard during a full council meeting on Tuesday (18 October).
Richard Nowak (Con, Salvington) asked the leader if Persimmon had appealed and what discussions, if any, had taken place since the High Court ruling.
Dr Cooper said that she had not had any discussions with the developer since August and confirmed that Persimmon would take the case to the Court of Appeal.
“We were very recently informed that Persimmon have been granted leave to appeal the High Court decision,” she said.
“I have not met with Persimmon Homes since that decision was made.
“There are various reasons for that.
“I take legal advice from our legal officers and I work very closely with our officers on this.
“We are open to continuing conversations but if it’s not appropriate, and taking the advice of my officers, then I will not pursue it,” she said.
Worthing Borough Council and Persimmon Homes have been approached for comment.