WR 2843
WR 2844
WR 2163
WR 230
WR 2246
Part 2: Boundaries
PROOF OF EVIDENCE BY: The Forum of Arun District Amenity Groups, East Preston and Kingston Preservation Society, Mr & Mrs. M M Tanner, The Worthing Society, Mr J Hughes.
1.1 The organisations and individuals listed above submit the following joint Proof of Evidence for the boundary of the proposed South Downs National Park within Section Q of the Countryside Agency proposed boundary maps. While we did not all propose exactly the same boundary extensions in our original letters of objection we hope we can assist the Inquiry by making this joint submission in support of what is now our common position. The following organisations (registered as objectors to the boundary in adjoining areas) have also told us they support this submission: Ferring Conservation Group, Worthing Green Party, Ilex Way Conservation Group.
1.2 We strongly support the principle of the National Park, and the inclusion of Titnore Woods, Highdown Hill, and all the land north of the A27; our objection is to the proposed boundary which would exclude the Grade I listed-Castle Goring and its park.
2.1 The boundary should run from South Lodge in Titnore Lane (Countryside Agency Map 37, Grid ref. 101050), westwards along the southern edge of Titnore Woods (as in the Countryside Agency’s proposed boundary) but then continue westwards along the southern edge of the main portion of Garden Wood to Forest Barn (Grid Ref 107054) and thence north-westwards along the footpath to where it meets the A27 (Grid ref: 106055). We refer to this area as ‘Castle Goring’ and the effect of this change is to secure the house and its park in the National Park. We argue the case below, using the criteria for inclusion adopted by the Countryside Agency (CA).
2.2 Justification against
criteria
2.21 The inclusion of this land
is justified under many of the criteria the CA have used in designating the
boundary. But perhaps the most obvious and the most important is that ‘Features
of scientific, historic or architectural value .. on the margins of a National
Park should be included where practicable.
2.22 There can be no dispute about the historic and architectural value of Castle Goring and its parkland. The Grade I listing of the house and the Grade II listing of other features speak for themselves. The history and development of the area are described in Annex A.
2.23 The CA were obviously reluctant to include this area because, at the time of their survey, it seemed threatened by the West Durrington Development. But Worthing Borough Council’s Development Brief (which will now be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance) now makes it perfectly clear that although the parkland forms part of the site acquired by developers ‘within the defined area, no development will be permitted’ and the parkland must be maintained as the setting to Castle Goring. (Draft Development Brief July 2003, para 8.5, and will appear in revised version January 2003) It is therefore perfectly practicable to include it within the National Park.
2.3 Justification against
Criteria – Natural beauty
2.31 Overall high landscape quality
This is classic country house parkland, with mature trees in improved grassland pasture and a walled garden, framed by woodland to the west and south – an appropriate setting for the Grade I-listed house. We do not accept the CA’s contention that ‘these areas are not regarded as outstanding in their quality’ or that any traffic noise from the A27 ‘has an adverse effect on the quality of the area’ (CD 70 p37). See commentary and photographs in Annex C.
2.32 Absence of atypical and incongruous features
The only atypical or incongruous feature is the screen of trees currently obscuring the view of the house from the park.
2.33 Flora and Fauna
The area is of considerable importance to local wild life, being on the edge of a local Site of Nature Conservation Importance. See Annex B
2.4 Justification against
Criteria – Opportunities for Open-Air Recreation
2.41 Provide, or are capable
of providing superior recreational experiences
This is a very small area, with only one footpath on the eastern flank of it but it contributes an excellent view of an historic country house and its landscaped parkland. It is capable of providing excellent recreational opportunities if it were open to the public (cf. Stanmer Park, north east of Brighton).
2.42 Catchment area and ease
of access
Castle Goring is close to the large residential area of Durrington and will be even closer to the 800 homes development of West Durrington which is likely to be built in the next few years. There is a slip road from the A27 to a lane which serves the houses around the mansion, and a public footpath from there along the eastern edge of the land proposed for inclusion. There are very good drives through the woodland to the west, which give access to the parkland and could, one day, become rights of way.
2.5 Additional Considerations
2.51 Unsightly development on
the edge of a National Park
There will be no unsightly development on the edges of the area proposed for . The Development Brief for the West Durrington Estate requires that any development adjoining Castle Goring and its parkland must reflect the layout, design and materials of the Castle Goring conservation area. [Development Brief para 8.5]. Garden Wood, which would form the southern boundary could easily be enhanced to screen the housing area to be developed on the other side.
3.1 We feel that this area meets the Countryside Agency’s criteria and approach for defining National Park boundaries and request that the Inspector recommends to the Secretary of State that the boundary be amended to include in the South Downs National Park the area described in this proof of evidence.
Annex A: History and Architecture
Annex C: Landscape Quality