Planning Applications
Why do we look at planning applications?
Our strapline is “Conserving the beauty and present character of Goring, the Ilex Avenue, the trees in Sea Lane and the Goring Gap”.
Conserving the beauty and character does not mean preserving Goring in aspic! We accept and often welcome the fact that there must be change and upgrading of housing stock, also of infrastructure and facilities for employment. If the proposal, in our opinion, does not detract from, or preferably enhances, the character of Goring, then we are generally in favour. Of course this is subjective but our committee, as with the Worthing Planning Committee, allows different views to be taken and discussion to take place to achieve a consensus.
As well as the bulk of Goring, we have two conservation areas – Goring Conservation Area (around the Mulberry PH) and Goring Hall which includes the centre of Ilex Way and also Ilex Avenue – currently as far as the Ferring border. These areas, naturally require close attention and also include the trees within them. There are also various other trees within Goring with Tree Protection Orders and we take arboricultural advice on works affecting them.
How do we review planning applications?
Normally once a week we view the Worthing Council schedule of planning applications and take a quick view of those that we would like the committee to discuss. These will be those proposals that affect the street scene (ie can be viewed from the road/pavement) or that for other reasons we believe will affect the character of Goring. We also, as above, take advice on affected trees. If there is time to comment, we will wait for the next committee meeting, otherwise by telephone or e-mail we will gauge the consensus of the committee and submit our comments to the planners via letter or e-mail.
In these days of “permitted development”, there will be proposals that in previous times would have raised our concerns especially dormers and the like increasing roof volumes and we may make suggestions but providing they are within permitted limits, these are now largely out of the planners’ hands.
Should a proposal (such as the increase in private beach hut numbers in Goring) go to the Planning Committee and we feel that speaking at the committee will make a difference, then we will apply to do so.