Beeches Avenue protestors ready to fight again

People living in Beeches Avenue and Pines Avenue were left horrified last week when they discovered outline plans to build 90 homes on a seven-acre lower downland site had been submitted for the second time by property developers Hargreaves Homes.

Back in April last year, Hargreaves Homes' first application, exactly the same as this new one, was refused by Worthing planners, ending an 18-month intensive planning battle by residents.

Pauline Reymond, who has lived in Pines Avenue for 46 years, said: "What part of 'no' don't Hargreaves understand? We can't believe we have got to go through that again."

Members of BAG (Beeches Avenue Group) gathered near the land at the top of Beeches Avenue on Monday to protest against the plans.

Roger Hinxman, of Upper Brighton Road, said: "We have to carry on the fight because we can't let Hargreaves Homes do this. This road currently has 50 dwellings and with another 90, that would triple the road. The excess traffic is a concern of ours.

"Any development here would be noticeable because of the incline of the Downs. A lot of people living near here keep their horses on the land and this would have to stop, ending a lot of the leisure activities."

James Appleton, chief planning officer at Worthing Council, said: "I suspect the applicant is trying again because of the need for additional housing in the town and that this site could be developed early to help with this."

Mr Appleton said the plans may come up at a planning meeting in September.

Hargreaves Homes' planning consultant, Rob Huntley, said: "It was felt appropriate now, in order to assist Worthing to meet its housing requirements, to submit a new application."