Adur and Worthing councils on track to meet housing promise

Adur and Worthing Councils announced in 2020 they will provide 1,400 affordable homes as part of a £50 million project, by 2025.

Worthing Borough Council, which previously did not own its own properties, has agreed to build 50 itself and work with contractors for 400 further homes in the area.

Adur District Council will build 200 of its own homes, while renovating, refurbishing or replacing 750 of its current stock.

Councillor Heather Mercer, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for customer services, which includes housing, said: “Worthing has identified several sites where affordable housing will benefit residents living in the area and has a firm plan in place to make sure it is delivered for those who need it.

Chairman of Adur District Council, Cllr Stephen Chipp, left, Cllr Carson Albury, middle, and Cllr Neil Parkin, open Cecil Norris House in Shoreham

“This is important to residents in Worthing who struggle to afford the high rents in the private sector.”

Since 2020, both councils have been working to meet their joint target.

Adur District Council has built 15 new homes at Cecil Norris House, in Ravens Road, Shoreham, begun working on a new site for 55 affordable properties, and has planning permission for five further sites in the district.

Councillor Carson Albury, Adur District Council’s executive member for customer services, which includes housing, said: “Affordable housing is very much needed, and I am proud that we are already delivering what we said we would to tenants in the area.

“We completed Cecil Norris House in autumn last year and tenants moved into the building soon after.

Former care home in Rowlands Road, Worthing, converted into 19 self-contained apartments

“Being able to provide safe, warm and affordable accommodation in a time of great uncertainty is something we strive for as a council and this strategy will help us to continue to do that.”

Worthing Borough Council have completed two projects to provide 36 permanent affordable homes, in Rowlands Road and Downview Road, Worthing, which will save the council £160,000 in the first year through a reduction in temporary accommodation schemes.

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“There is a lot of work which goes on behind the scenes to ensure these plans come to fruition and that we deliver what we have promised,” said Cllr Mercer.