Wood protesters to fight new plan

Protesters have camped out in the woods for more than two years

Protesters battling to save ancient woodland in West Sussex have said they will fight new plans to build up to 875 new homes and community facilities.

Developer West Durrington Consortium has submitted revised plans to Worthing council which involve the loss of 75 trees instead of the original 200.

But protesters, who set up camp in the treetops in Titnore Wood in May 2006, say they are staying put.

The West Durrington Consortium said it had no further comment at this stage.

"The main essence of the development hasn't changed," said one campaigner, who wanted to be known only as Trevor.

"The main development and the access road still goes slap bang through the middle of the ancient woodland.

"You will in effect end up with a couple of clumps of trees."

People only have seven weeks to go through a mountain of documents on this new application Campaigner Trevor

The consortium first submitted plans in 2003 which included the straightening of Titnore Lane, with the loss of 275 trees.

They were later changed to save 200 existing trees, with 2,350 more being planted across the site.

Now speed management measures are proposed rather than the straightening of Titnore Lane, with 20mph limits in the housing areas.

The borough council is sending 1,800 letters informing residents and businesses in the area about the new plans.

They must reply by 9 October, with the planning application expected to be considered by the development control committee towards the end of the year.

"All along the campaign has been calling for a public inquiry into this issue," said Trevor.

"People only have seven weeks to go through a mountain of documents on this new application.

"The campaigners have gone through the winters and the recent couple of years of very wet weather.

"They are very dedicated to saving the woodland."