Submission Draft Worthing Local Plan Consultation (January 2021)

Introduction

Worthing Borough Council recognises the importance of having an up to date Local Plan in place that can enable 'local decision making' and guide development that is sustainable, inclusive and resilient. After a number of years of preparation the Council published its final version of the Plan for comment.

The consultation on the Submission Draft Worthing Local Plan ran for 8 weeks between Tuesday 26th January and Tuesday 23rd March 2021.

This was the 'Regulation 19' stage and it was the formal stage of the consultation process, prior to submission to the Secretary of State for Examination. Within a specific remit, this 'Publication' stage provided all interested stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on the policy content of the Council's Plan. Although the consultation period has now closed all key documents are still available to view below.

All representations received within the statutory consultation period will be made available to view here once they have been processed.  They will then be submitted alongside the Local Plan and its evidence base to the Secretary of State, who will appoint an Inspector to carry out an independent examination.

It is expected that the Local Plan will be submitted for Examination in May but further updates will be provided on this page in the coming weeks.

So, what has been done so far ...

Prior to consultation on the Submission Draft, the plan has already been through two rounds of public consultation:

The comments submitted at these two consultations have been considered and have helped to shape the Plan. The Plan has also been informed by a comprehensive evidence base and, using this information, Worthing Borough Council considers that the Local Plan that was published for comment is 'sound' and establishes a clear and robust strategy for the Borough..

What are the key outcomes for the new Local Plan?

The Local Plan will be a key document in shaping the future of the borough over a 15 year period as it provides the strategy for growth, setting out what development will take place and where. When adopted, the new Plan will replace the borough's existing local planning policies and will be an important consideration in deciding planning applications.

The Plan builds on national guidance to provide for more specific local policies for Worthing to create a high quality environment. It has been a very difficult task to balance all the identified needs of Worthing's communities with the scarcity of land that we have within the borough. Some of the key elements of the new Plan are to:

  • plan positively for growth and contribute to sustainable development
  • balance development alongside protecting jobs, community facilities and valued open spaces
  • embed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • establish: 3 Strategic Policies; 6 Spatial Policies; and 24 Development Management policies
  • allocate 15 sites for development (6 on edge of town and 9 redevelopment sites within the existing built up area).

“The Local Plan is incredibly important, as it helps us work towards delivering a thriving and stronger town. It is therefore very important to us that we hear your views as this is the final statutory stage to make representations.”
Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Executive Member for Regeneration

Submission Draft Worthing Local Plan Consultation documents:

All key documents relating to this stage of the Local Plan preparation are linked below. At this stage, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Council is unable to place hard copies of the documents on deposit in the usual locations but this will be actioned at such time restrictions are eased. In certain circumstances, the Council will be happy to provide hard copies of the Local Plan to specific groups, particularly those with limited internet access.

Supporting documents

A number of these documents are still 'live' and being progressed. The finalised version will be provided as part of the Submission process.

Whole Plan Viability Assessment (WPVA)

Evidence base

Local Plan Route Mapper

The Route Mapper has been prepared by the Planning Advisory Service to assist Councils as they progress Local Plans. It provides advice on project planning and management which has helped in scoping and developing an approach to the Council's policies update which is appropriate and proportionate to Worthing. This work also provides a detailed assessment of conformity and soundness in line with the requirements of the NPPF.

Statement of Community Involvement and Engagement Strategy

A 'call for sites'

Given the significant levels of housing need in the Borough the Council is always keen to know of any potential development sites. If you are aware of any sites that are at least 0.25 hectares in size OR capable of supporting at least 5 dwellings please let us know. In addition, if there are any sites that are currently included within the SHLAA for which you have updated information please also let us know. For more information (including 'Call for Sites' response forms) please see:

Keeping informed

All respondents at this, and previous stages, will be notified at appropriate times as the Plan progresses towards adoption. Interested parties who might not already be on the Council's Planning Policy database can register for updates by contacting the Planning Policy Team on:

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Page last updated: 23 March 2021