Worthing BC Local Plan – Found Sound

Worthing Borough Council have had their new Local Plan found ‘sound’ by Inspector Steven Lee, subject to modifications.

Dixon Searle Partnership (DSP) undertook the Strategic Viability Assessment to inform and support the Local Plan policy development. The Inspector concluded that the methodology used was robust and followed national guidance.

As part of the assessment, DSP recommended that a variable approach to affordable housing be considered across the Borough to maximise viability and delivery; with a 20% requirement on previously developed land involving flats, 30% for all housing on previously developed land and 40% for development on greenfield land. The Inspector concluded, “I am satisfied that this is a robust assessment and that a variable approach is justified. Setting the requirement to the lowest common denominator of viability would inevitably result in even less provision than might otherwise be achieved. The evidence is clear that different forms of housing and locations of development can accommodate different levels of affordable housing provision”.

The Local Plan (including Modifications) has been recommended to Full Council (13th December 2022) for adoption.