Public invited to comment on new green infrastructure planning guidance
Released: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Communities across Adur and Worthing are being invited to provide feedback on new planning guidance aimed at protecting and enhancing the area’s natural environment.
We have developed two new documents to provide clear, practical guidance on how existing planning policies and national biodiversity requirements are implemented through new development.
The supplementary planning documents (SPDs) do not introduce new planning policy or replace existing guidance. Instead, they support policies already adopted in the Adur and Worthing local plans, particularly in relation to biodiversity, green infrastructure, urban greening and sustainable drainage.
One of the key drivers for the new guidance is the introduction of statutory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), which became mandatory nationally under the Environment Act 2021. The legislation requires most new developments to deliver a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value, which must be maintained for at least 30 years.
As local planning authorities, we are required to ensure that national requirements are applied clearly and consistently in Adur and Worthing. The SPDs set out how these national requirements will operate locally, with residents now being invited to provide feedback on our proposed guidance.
The documents support our recently adopted vision for nature, which sets out landscape-scale ambitions alongside urban action to protect and restore the area’s natural environment.
Photo: Adur pictured from Mill Hill, Shoreham
Situated between the Downs and the coast, Adur and Worthing have significant development pressures, with limited land availability and substantial areas at risk of flooding.
At the same time, the landscape is home to rare, important habitats, covering the coast, estuary environments and chalk downland. This combination of growth pressures and environmental sensitivity makes it essential that development is carefully planned and designed to protect and enhance these valuable natural assets.
The guidance will highlight the different types of greening or habitat creation that is preferred in different locations across Adur and Worthing. Examples could include tree planting in parks or residential areas or implementing new wild areas that benefit nature.
The main impact of the nationally-required SPDs will be on new development proposals, particularly larger schemes. For smaller developments, expectations are proportionate, and there will be a very limited, if any, impact on homeowners.
Councillor Becky Allinson, Adur’s cabinet member for regeneration and strategic planning, said:
“As an area facing significant development pressures alongside important and sensitive habitats, it’s vital that growth is managed carefully and responsibly. These documents are about providing clarity, and we encourage residents, businesses and landowners to take part in the consultation and help shape this guidance.”
Councillor Rita Garner, Worthing’s cabinet member for regeneration, said:
“Providing clear guidance for developers is essential to ensuring that new development enhances, rather than undermines, our natural environment. By getting this guidance right, we can better support sustainable growth that benefits our communities and the area’s natural assets for generations to come.”
Residents, businesses, landowners and visitors are invited to have their say on the draft planning documents. By taking part, they can help ensure the guidance is robust, supports action to address the ecological emergency, protects habitats and helps create healthier, greener spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The consultation closes on Sunday 22nd March 2026.
To find out more and have your say, visit:
Photo: Worthing pictured from Cissbury Fields
(PR26-024)
Page last updated: 27 February 2026