Battle won for Beeches protesters

More than 30 protesters, armed with banners and placards, sat in the public gallery to listen to councillors' comments about the plans.

At the planning meeting on Tuesday councillors said they would refuse the application, but the applicant, Hargreaves Housing, had already lodged an appeal which meant the council could not make a decision.

Councillors showed strong opposition to building on the land, to the west of Lyons Farm.They are hoping it will be included in the new South Downs National Park, of which boundaries are currently being drawn up.

At the meeting Mr Appleton described the plans as "premature" ahead of the National Park boundaries decision.

A total of 376 letters of objection were received and the Beeches Action Group, Worthing Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Findon Valley Society and the Highways Agency also objected.

Councillor James Doyle said: "There is absolutely no way we can see this as viable for the area. The South Downs are to my mind an irreplaceable asset."

Councillor Ann Lynn said: "I do not think there is an argument for this application. It is in the wrong place. We have got to look out for Worthing and this lovely area."

A unanimous decision was made not to back the plans -but because the council did not deal with the application within eight weeks, the applicant was able to appeal against any refusal.It is now likely the plans will go to a public inquiry later this year.

Speaking yesterday to the Herald, Karl Heryet, chairman of Beeches Action Group, said: "We got excellent support from the residents and it is fantastic news that the council are opposed to the plans.

"It sends a clear message to Hargreaves that we are prepared to fight every step of the way against this ridiculous building project.The next step is to get any more objection letters in by the deadline of May 28 for their appeal."

The problems started for Beeches Avenue residents when the area looked set to be included in the Worthing Local Plan by inspectors as an area suitable for up to 90 homes.

Worthing Borough Council objected to the inclusion and it was excluded following a public inquiry.

In the meantime Hargreaves Homes put forward an outline planning application for up to 90 houses on the site.