Regeneration of the Aquarena to go ahead

The Secretary of State has decided that Worthing Borough Council can proceed to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the Aquarena site.  

The redevelopment of the site represents a significant investment, equating to millions of pounds, transforming this derelict site into a thriving community of homes, businesses and leisure opportunities.

Following detailed consideration, the Secretary of State is content that the matter should be dealt with by the Borough Council, without his intervention.  The Borough Council will now proceed to grant planning permission following the completion of a legal agreement securing 42 affordable apartments - providing both social rent and shared ownership apartments.

Councillor Bryan Turner, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, says:

“I am delighted that the Secretary of State has decided not to intervene in the determination of application for the redevelopment of the Aquarena site.  This decision is fully in line with the Government's Localism agenda which seeks to ensure that planning decisions are made at the local level and to only intervene where there are planning issues of more than local importance.

“The Council will now proceed to issue the planning permission and hopes to complete the sale of the site as soon as possible to enable this important regeneration scheme to be built.”