No appeal over West Sussex woodland homes plan

A consortium will not appeal against a decision to reject plans to build 875 homes in Sussex, which would have seen the destruction of ancient woodland.

In March Worthing Borough Council rejected proposals for a development at Titnore Woods, near Worthing, because of its impact on wildlife.

The West Durrington Consortium said it would not appeal and would now be looking at alternative plans.

Protesters set up camp in the treetops in Titnore Wood in May 2006.

The consortium first submitted proposals in 2003 which included the straightening of Titnore Lane, with the loss of 275 trees.

They were later changed to save 200 existing trees, with 2,350 more being planted across the site.

Speed management measures were also proposed rather than the straightening of Titnore Lane, with 20mph limits in the housing areas.

The West Durrington Consortium said in a statement: "In a positive response to the terms of this decision the consortium has now elected to progress alternative proposals over coming months which will very clearly exclude any proposed development of the Western area..and any direct access to Titnore Lane."

Worthing councillors unanimously rejected developer West Durrington Consortium's plans to build the homes and community facilities in March, saying they were concerned about access to Titnore Lane and over-development in the area.