Worthing developer fined over planning breaches

A Worthing property developer has been fined more than £16,000 after failing to comply with planning rules and enforcement notices.

Ryan Flippance, director of Harlington Homes, was taken to court by Worthing Borough Council after repeatedly ignoring conditions placed on a housing development at The Drive, Mill Lane, in High Salvington.

Permission for the new homes was first granted in 2013, with later amendments approved on the basis that strict conditions were met. These included the demolition of The Drive before occupation of some of the new homes, and the use of obscured glazing in certain windows to prevent overlooking.

Investigations revealed that neither requirement had been carried out. In addition, a double garage was built instead of the approved single garage, putting a nearby protected Turkey Oak tree at risk of root damage. The council issued a breach of condition notice ordering the demolition of The Drive, alterations to the unauthorised windows and the reduction of the garage size, but the developer failed to act.

Mr Flippance pleaded guilty at Worthing Magistrates’ Court to three counts of breaching the notice. He was fined £6,750 and ordered to pay more than £9,500 in prosecution costs and victim surcharge. The council confirmed that the required works must still be completed to comply with the planning conditions.