Worthing housing development may drop all affordable homes

A 216-home development in Worthing town centre could go ahead without any affordable housing under new plans being considered by the council.

The Union Gardens project, proposed for the brownfield site at Union Place, was approved by Worthing Borough Council’s planning committee in February 2024 with provision for 48 affordable homes. Developer Roffey Homes has since applied to remove that requirement, citing difficulties finding a registered housing provider willing to take on the affordable element.

A report to the planning committee says providers raised concerns over affordability, leaving the developer unable to secure a partner. Instead, Roffey Homes has offered either to fund affordable housing elsewhere in the town or pay £1,004,004 to the council through a Section 106 contribution.

Council officers have recommended approval of the variation to avoid delaying the long-awaited redevelopment. The proposal will be discussed at a public meeting on Wednesday, 15 October, at 6.30pm in the Gordon Room of Worthing Town Hall, which will also be streamed online.