Further success for the inspiring Titnore Woods campaigners reported in todays press
Trees saved from axe
Sunday 24th August 2008
A controversial housing development has been revised to save hundreds of trees.
Plans to build 875 homes on green fields at West Durrington, Worthing, sparked fury among environmentalists when they were unveiled in 2003.
Around 275 trees would have been axed under the original proposals as Titnore Lane, a winding country road, was straightened.
But the proposal led to protesters setting set up a permanent tree camp in woods near Titnore Lane.
Now the West Durrington Consortium, which consists of building firms with a stake in the development, has revised its design so that only 75 trees will be chopped.
It said around 2,350 trees would also be planted on the site.
The new planning application will be considered by Worthing Borough Council later this year.
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That’s really good news about the plans not to cut the trees, but really it’s no time to celebrate. This is by no means a victory as the question of ecology in the area goes far beyond the very small patch of woodland that was planning to be cut down. If these houses are built then the area is fucked.
That is also only looking at it from an ecological point of veiw, when really this, as with other housing developments goes far beyond the ecological issues. The building of 600 unaffordable houses (along with the 200 set aside for “key workers”) has many effects on the area, it is another act of gentrification, this battle is about more then trees and nature (for some involved) but part of an anti capitalist struggle.
Not to mention it is fucking pointless building more houses to rot and be unsold, except that we have more to squat in 10 years time.
They are nice trees though, I would be lying if i would say it didn’t make smile to think at least some them might remain.
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WHEN is a wood not a wood? When it has a road running right through it!
The “new” planning application for the West Durrington development in Worthing, West Sussex, is being sold to the Worthing public as a “response to public opinion” that will spare many of the Titnore trees.
But, like the original plans, it includes access roads that will cut right through the beautiful ancient woodland currently occupied by the protest camp. A wood is no longer a viable bio-system with a road cutting it in half. Wildlife like dormice and crested newts will not survive in what will be no more than roadside clumps of trees surrounded by tarmac and executive homes.
The developers do not mention that the lack of road widening was forced on them through legal pressure, rather than dreamt up out of the goodness of their hearts. And they do not mention what would be likely to happen in a few years’ time, when the massive increase in traffic to the new estate and the mega-Tesco would no doubt be expected to force a re-think on Titnore Lane for the usual “safety” reasons.
Needless to say, the battle against the destruction of our countryside in West Durrington goes on! We are urging everyone to send in their letters of objection to planning application WB/04/00040/OUT as soon as possible – October 9 is the very latest deadline. Write to James Appleton, Development Control Manager, at Worthing Borough Council, Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing BN11 1LF or email planning@worthing.gov.uk
There will also be stalls in Worthing town centre, the first being next Saturday, September 6, from 11am at Holder’s Corner, Montague Street (near Liverpool Gardens).
And, of course, the camp is still going strong. There is, however, an urgent need for repairs to the infrastructure and defences, which have degraded over the last couple of years. Polyprop rope is badly wanted – as well as financial contributions.
If you can spare an hour or two to help at the camp, a tidy-up day is being held on Sunday September 21, from 10am. And then on Sunday September 28 there will be an Open Day, from 2pm. This will included guided tours, showing where the roads and housing are planned to destroy the area. Bring food to share.
More info: www.protectourwoodland.co.uk