Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) consultation 2025: Camping (Worthing)
Overview
Worthing Borough Council would like your views on the renewal and variation of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that prohibits unauthorised overnight camping on Goring Greensward in Worthing. The current PSPO expires on 20th August 2025 and we're looking to vary this order and extend it for three years until 20th August 2028.
The PSPO gives the police and authorised officers of the council the power to ask people to remove tents and camping paraphernalia when they believe it will detrimentally impact the quality of life for those in the locality of Goring Greensward. An offence occurs when a person or persons does not comply with this request. The Act requires the order to be reviewed after three years and the council is now seeking views on both a variation to the term and a further three year extension.
Goring Greensward continues to attract large numbers of people, some of whom attempt to camp in the area in lieu of using authorised campsites. This can lead to associated nuisance and anti-social behaviour such as inappropriate disposal of waste, littering and noise nuisance.
This order is directed at those who are trying to avoid the use of authorised camping sites and is not designed to tackle issues related to people who are rough sleeping or for traveller encampments. These are tackled using other legislation.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do we need a PSPO to prevent unauthorised camping on Goring Greensward?
Worthing has previously experienced anti-social behaviour that has arisen through unauthorised camping, ie people who pitch tents and use vehicles for overnight stays on our green spaces. This has included littering, unsafe disposal of waste, noise nuisance, public place urination etc and causes issues for those in the local area. The PSPO means an authorised officer can ask that the camping paraphernalia is removed, making this a low level intervention that can stop people using green spaces in a harmful way. - Is the PSPO to stop people who are sleeping rough due to homelessness?
No. PSPOs that target the homeless population go against government guidance. Worthing Borough Council has a wide ranging programme of support for people who are experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. Council services work together to identify people who are rough sleeping and provide advice, support and signposting into accommodation. - Does this mean it would be illegal to pitch a tent/gazebo in the PSPO zone?
No. The PSPO is specifically about camping overnight in the PSPO zone. It is not designed to interfere with peaceful activities, celebrations or events that may take place in the zone. - How would the PSPO be enforced?
- Breach of a PSPO occurs when a person does not comply with the requirement made under the order.
- Breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence subject to, up to a level three fine on prosecution (up to £1,000).
- A Fixed Penalty Notice can be issued for £75 for failing to comply with an officer's request to remove a tent or other camping paraphernalia.
- Payment of the Fixed Penalty Notice discharges liability to conviction for the offence
Tell us what you think
We are currently reviewing the PSPO and would like to hear your views. Please complete the survey below and provide us with your feedback.
Deadline for comments: 10th June 2025
If you have any further questions, please email:
Page last updated: 28 April 2025