Five years after the original scheme provoked angry protests over plans to cut down ancient woodland and widen Titnore Lane, developers say they have listened to the public and changed their proposals.

The West Durrington Consortium, comprising Persimmon Homes, Taylor-Wimpey and Heron Land Developments, say 200 trees will be "saved" by a speed management scheme in Titnore Lane and a T-junction, rather than a roundabout, into the access road.

They have pledged to plant around 2,350 new trees in and around the development and say they will "regenerate" 10 acres of ancient woodland.

As well as a mix of homes, the proposed development will include a neighbourhood square, central green, medical centre, sports fields, community centre, shop and a new school.

Provision for public art is also included.

Public opinion

Doug Cramond, from DC Planning, said: "We are pleased that after many years of work we are now in a position to bring forward a revised scheme for this major urban extension to Worthing.

"In particular, the developers welcome the fact that discussions with the relevant authorities have enabled the scheme to save around 200 trees which would have had to be removed if Titnore Lane was straightened.

"Public opinion has helped shape this development."

More than 1,800 letters are being sent to homes and businesses in the area by Worthing Council as part of its consultation on the revised plans.

Protesters encampment

The application should be considered by the council's planning committee towards the end of the year.

A group of protesters remain encamped and defiant in a network of tree houses on the threatened land, despite a High Court eviction order being made against them in August, 2006.

Supporters of the protest camp celebrated its second birthday on the steps of Worthing town hall at the end of May and campaigners have spoken of fighting the plans until they are dropped entirely.

To see a plan of the proposed development area, click here

What do you think? Should the scheme be allowed to go ahead? .
Email your views to letters@worthingherald.co.uk or leave a comment below.

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