Chatsmore Farm Housing Development Public Inquiry Begins in Worthing

A public inquiry into plans to build 475 homes on green land at Chatsmore Farm will commence this week in Worthing.

The hearing follows a series of legal battles between Worthing Borough Council and developer Persimmon Homes.

Persimmon Homes initially submitted a planning application in 2021 to build homes on the green land between Worthing and Ferring. Worthing Borough Council rejected the application, but the developer appealed and was initially supported by the planning inspectorate. However, in June 2023, the High Court ruled in favour of the council, prompting a new inquiry with a different planning inspector.

The new public inquiry will be held at Worthing Town Hall, starting on Tuesday, 17th September. Further sessions are scheduled for 18th, 24th, 25th, and 26th September, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd October. Residents will have the opportunity to attend and hear the evidence presented regarding the controversial housing development.