Common sense won the day.  Or was it people power?

That’s the question everyone is asking following the surprise dismissal Monday, 15 March by Worthing’s planning committee of the application by a consortium of developers to build on 125 acres of Greenfield land west of Worthing on the South coast.

It was clear as residents started to arrive for the 2pm meeting at Worthing’s Assembly Hall this was no ordinary planning meeting. I doubt if there’s ever been so many police to control crowds for a planning meeting in the history of Worthing. They were everywhere, in front of the Hall, around the back sitting in mini-buses and patrolling around in rapid pursuit vehicles. And then there were the Dogs. We now hear after being criticised over the cost of this over the top policing, police are saying ‘intelligence indicated trouble makers were being bussed in to cause mayhem’

Anyway adding to the sense of occasion were all the print and broadcast media. They arrived in force with all their satellite trucks, cameras and all. The event even went out live on regional TV  a handy thing with so many excitable police about.

After the interviews, photo opportunities etc all those wishing to enter the Hall had to suffer the indignity of being vetted and pat searched,  oh yes, granddad and grandma as well as little Jimmy by the bussed in security guards. Anyway I think most residents got in, even some of the woodland guardians with their muddy boots.

Once in I think everyone was astonished to see, instead of the usual 10 or so committee members sitting around a horseshoe style table, there were maybe a mix of 20 or so councillors and council officers sitting behind a 30 foot long table on a raised stage.

Clearly this was going to be a difficult meeting to chair, not helped by the chairman’s sore throat. However he did manage to start the meeting and introduce the first Item on the agenda, public question time. This is different to speaking to the main agenda item, the development.

I expect to the amazement of the chair, committee and everyone, speaker after speaker spoke eloquently and with emotion on a range of issues inc:  Wheelchair access to a local footbridge. The healing properties of open spaces and countryside. And of course the important biodiversity of ancient woodland. The roof raising applause that greeted every speaker was a clear indication that the public were in no mood to let councillors off the hook.

There then followed a detailed description of the Greenfield development by the lead planning officer. I won’t bore you with all that was said, only to say most of it is elsewhere on this website. I should mention however, the officer was constantly interrupted for clarification by members of the audience.

Next speakers for or against the development were called. Personally I was surprised no-one spoke in favour for the development, as I had understood 2 had registered. Anyway, now it was the turn of the 8 speakers against.

All made powerful, emotional speeches that drew thunderous applause from the audience. Topics covered were: There's no need for the development on a Greenfield site when Worthing has Brownfield ones available. The risk of flooding was mentioned by several speakers, as was the experimental 'Urban Drainage Scheme' designed to prevent it. Lack of work for the new residents, another topic. The grid locked road network. Social needs and well-being. And of course the impact on the countryside and National Park were all there.

There then followed the planning officer to answer the questions raised. Clearly the audience were not happy with some of his answers, interrupting constantly. And after sitting in an uncomfortable seat for 2 hours, becoming restless.

However things were about to liven up, as it was the turn for councillors to have their say. The first councillor, well known for speaking his mind, basically said the development was rubbish and voted against it, so did the next councillor. The hall was in shock and silent waiting for the next councillors verdict. However although she did make a few comments the woman said she would decide how to vote after hearing what other councillors said.

At this point the planning officer spoke to answer issues raised by the previous councillors.

The next councillor, known to take planning matters very seriously, spoke about how the town needed the social housing and community facilities the development offered, Although he had previously voted for the development, this time said on balance he would vote against it.

Those points were somewhat challenged by the next councillor, who said that even with any financial contribution by the developers for community facilities etc, due to cutbacks by local councils etc there would be no money to make up the balance.

There then followed a deep hush as the chairman asked councillors to vote. All in favour? A quick scan showed no hands went up. All against? Well I only saw five hands go, up but that was enough to light up the audience into a standing ovation that lasted, well I thought for ever but I guess a minute or so.

There was then a bit of confusion as the councillors together with the planning officer decided the wording for the dismissal. No-doubt that will be clear when the minutes are published.

Well there you are. After what seemed an impossible task to get this nasty development thrown out against the might of a consortium with worldwide connections and international finance, we prevailed. Clearly the sheer numbers of local residents who turned out and the superb, well-informed contributions from the public, as well as a lot of emotion made the difference. There was literally nobody in favour of the development.

I’m sure councillors realised there was no way they could ignore this strength of public opinion. Democracy has prevailed, well it did on Monday!

PS. As I’ve written this from memory and those at the back of the hall may have seen something of interest to add, please send it in to, add, or modify this account. Click

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