Green infrastructure consultation

Have your say: Protecting and enhancing nature in Adur and Worthing

We want our local area to thrive, not just for people, but for the wildlife and natural habitats that make Adur and Worthing so special.

As part of our commitment to a greener future, we have drafted two new Green Infrastructure & Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) - one covering the Adur Local Plan area and the other covering the Worthing Local Plan area.

There are also two Technical Advice Notes (TAN) - one on Biodiversity Net Gain and one on Urban Greening. These set out the technical details which support the SPDs.

Before we finalise these documents, we want to hear your views.

What is an SPD?

In simple terms, an SPD expands on existing policies in the Local Plan and provides more detailed guidance to developers on how we will implement our policies. In this case, both SPDs will sit alongside our Local Plans and ensure that any new development in Adur and Worthing actively improves our local environment, rather than depleting it.

The SPDs focus on two main areas:

• Green Infrastructure: This is the network of natural spaces around us - parks, sustainable urban drainage, green roofs, street trees, playing fields, and our coastal and river environments. The guide outlines how developers must protect, connect, and create these spaces. See:
  • Map showing the Green Infrastructure Network across Adur & Worthing
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): This is a legal requirement ensuring that developers leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before they started building. Our guide details exactly how developers must achieve this local "net gain" to support local wildlife, pollinators, and plant life.

Why your views matter

Whether you are a local resident, a community group, a landowner, or a developer, these SPDs will shape the look and feel of future planning applications in our area.

By taking part in this four week consultation, you can help us ensure our policies are robust enough to tackle the ecological emergency, prevent the loss of habitats, and create healthier, greener spaces for everyone to enjoy.

How to get involved

The consultation runs for four weeks.

First, please read the draft documents below:

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD):

• Adur Green Infrastructure & Biodiversiy - Draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (968KB)
• Worthing Green Infrastructure & Biodiversity - Draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (1,123KB)

Technical Advice Notes (TAN):

• Adur & Worthing Biodiversity Net Gain - Draft Technical Advice Note (TAN) (1,086KB)
• Adur & Worthing Urban Greening - Draft Technical Advice Note (TAN) (639KB)

Then submit your feedback:

Please use the form below to share your thoughts:

Have your say on the Draft Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Documents

Or in person: Hard copies of the document will also be available to view during normal opening hours at The Shoreham Centre and Worthing Town Hall.

Deadline for comments: Please ensure your comments are submitted by no later than 11:59pm on Sunday 22nd March 2026.

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