2,300-signature petition against Aquarena plans submitted to council

A petition against the proposed Aquarena plans has been submitted to the council ahead of the final decision.
(Left to right) Gill Tucker, Susan Belton and Ted Kennard from the Worthing Society with a petition against the Aquarena development plans, which has garnered 2,300 signatures. Pictured outside Portland House in Richmond Road, Worthing(Left to right) Gill Tucker, Susan Belton and Ted Kennard from the Worthing Society with a petition against the Aquarena development plans, which has garnered 2,300 signatures. Pictured outside Portland House in Richmond Road, Worthing
(Left to right) Gill Tucker, Susan Belton and Ted Kennard from the Worthing Society with a petition against the Aquarena development plans, which has garnered 2,300 signatures. Pictured outside Portland House in Richmond Road, Worthing

The plans for the Brighton Road site, submitted by developers Roffey Homes, would see a 15-storey tower block being built on the seafront – which many residents have objected to.

The Worthing Society and the Save Our Seafront campaign has gathered 2,318 signatures in its physical petition against the plans, as well as a further 115 online and 700 letters.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Susan Belton, chairman of Worthing Society, flanked by her vice-chairman Ted Kennard and honorary secretary Gill Tucker, submitted the petition to Worthing Borough Council’s headquarters at Portland House on Friday – the final day of the public consultation. They handed the petition to Cain Cronin, planning officer for the Aquarena development, who should include it in his report to the planning committee.

Worthing Aquarena plans, submitted to Worthing Borough Council. Pictured in the background is the controversial towerWorthing Aquarena plans, submitted to Worthing Borough Council. Pictured in the background is the controversial tower
Worthing Aquarena plans, submitted to Worthing Borough Council. Pictured in the background is the controversial tower

Susan Belton said: “We hope the councillors on the planning committee will recognise the strength of feeling from the local residents, who have taken time to come out in all weather to sign this petition.”

The original plans, which included a 21-storey tower, were amended following a public backlash.

Gill Tucker said: “The vast majority of people who signed the petition commented on how out of place, ugly and overbearing the designs are.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Roffey Homes designed the Warnes building in Steyne Gardens, so they have done some elegant designs. Something along those lines would be much more suitable.”

Worthing Aquarena plans, submitted to Worthing Borough Council. Pictured in the background is the controversial towerWorthing Aquarena plans, submitted to Worthing Borough Council. Pictured in the background is the controversial tower
Worthing Aquarena plans, submitted to Worthing Borough Council. Pictured in the background is the controversial tower

Mr Kennard said the current designs of the tower were ‘not in harmony with Worthing’s architecture’, and that the density of the build would be ‘far too high’ and ‘double what it should be’.

The final decision on the future of the site will be made on January 19.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.