A petition has been started against plans to build hundreds of homes on green land.

Persimmon Homes submitted the planning application for 475 homes on Chatsmore Farm, between Worthing and Ferring, in 2021.

Despite being rejected by Worthing Borough Council, an appeal was submitted against the decision, which was backed by the planning inspectorate.

The council then appealed itself in the hope of going back to its initial decision and a bench of three judges at the High Court eventually ruled in favour of the council in June 2023.

A new planning inquiry with a new planning inspector was then confirmed for 2024, which is currently under way.

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Now, a petition has been started in the hopes of stopping the plans.

The petition, started by Ella Heryet, reads: “The peace and natural beauty of Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, in West Sussex, are under threat due to proposed plans to develop 475 homes on the land North West of Goring Railway Station, also known as Chatsmore Farm.

“The proposed development is on land adjacent to the main road linking Goring-by-Sea to Rustington.

“Therefore, we feel this project would lead to an increase in congestion, significantly disturbing the local transport infrastructure which already struggles to serve the existing population.

“Not to mention, this pristine green space is home to local natural biodiversity, which would be severely damaged by such a vast development.

“The peace and tranquillity enjoyed by the local community would be markedly interrupted and the quality of life potentially diminished.

“In a time when our natural environments are shrinking, it is crucial to protect our green spaces.”

To date, it has received more than 700 signatures.

The plans have previously been condemned by Worthing MP and former Worthing Borough Council leader Beccy Cooper.

MP Beccy Cooper has previously objected to the plansMP Beccy Cooper has previously objected to the plans (Image: Beccy Cooper/Labour) The developer describes the proposed estate as “a sustainable urban extension, providing much-needed housing in an accessible and well connected location, where it can assimilate with the existing resident community”.

The public inquiry stage opened on September 17 with the remaining sessions being held virtually tomorrow and on Thursday.

Closing statements from the council and the appellant will be heard on Thursday.