MORE good news in the battle to Save Titnore Woods!
The would-be developers have now announced they will NOT be appealing against the historic refusal of their plans for 875 homes by Worthing council back in March.
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.”
http://www.eco-action.org/porkbolter
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Titnore victory means protest is off
THE Titnore on Tour campaign has achieved its aim of persuading the would-be developers at Durrington, West Sussex, not to appeal against the surprise council refusal of their plans.
And it only took one visit!
Because of this victory the planned protest on Saturday June 26 outside developer Persimmon Homes’ regional HQ in Fareham has been cancelled.
Please spread the word to anyone who might have been planning to come.
We are not complacent and know there is still a threat to local green space, though it appears the woodland may now be safe.
A special meeting is being held at 8pm on Thursday June 24 at The Jolly Brewers pub in Clifton Road, Worthing (not far from main station) to discuss where the Titnore campaign goes next.
Anyone who cares about Titnore Woods is encouraged to come along and have their say.
Meanwhile, Sussex countryside lovers are urged to support new pressure group Worthing Downlanders’ Midsummer circular walk from Highdown to Patching Hill on Sunday June 20 with local historian Chris.
Meet Highdown car park, up the hill from Goring by Sea rail station, at 11am to return 3pm to 4pm. Pub lunch or picnic en route. Suggested donation £3. www.worthingdownlanders.org.uk