Adur and Worthing Councils have taken a bold step. They’re actively marketing a 14.3-acre site just north of Titnore Way in Worthing. The former energy facility, in Enfield, covers 5.7 hectares and is being sold to a developer. This developer now needs to get planning permission to build 130 new houses on the site.
With the lucrative proposal, they hoped to meet the incredible demand for housing in the region, especially lower-cost houses. The initial plan includes 35 of those properties as affordable rental homes. Rent for these homes will be set no higher than 80% of market value. In addition to social rent tenants, the development will include 11 shared ownership properties, which will be administered under a housing association.
The sale of the site will allow the developer to easily cover a planning permission within its purchase price. This requirement underscores the councils’ commitment to ensuring that any new development aligns with local planning standards and community needs.
Sophie Cox, a member of the councils’ joint project team, said that she was particularly pleased to be involved with this project.
“The former Caravan Club site has been designated for housing for many years, so I’m delighted that we are on our way to making that a reality.” – Sophie Cox
Transforming the old caravan park into an affordable housing neighborhood is a risky proposition. This housing-induced transformation will go a long way toward easing the θ shortages afflicting Worthing. In carrying this initiative forward, the councils adopted a commitment to balance appropriate development with the needs and priorities of their community.
“We desperately need more homes for our residents, in particular affordable homes, because so many local households do not have somewhere secure to live long-term.” – Sophie Cox
The conversion of the former caravan site into a residential area represents a significant step towards alleviating housing shortages in Worthing. As the councils move forward with this initiative, they aim to strike a balance between development and community welfare.
