District heat network pipework at Multi Storey Car Park, Worthing

What was proposed

Underground pipes would extend the district heat network from the energy centre through the gardens and promenade to two buildings.

“Proposal: Extension to buried pipework and associated equipment to connect to the district heat network. The pipework will run underground along High St, through Steyne Gardens and east and west along the promenade to connect the energy centre with Splashpoint and Pavilion Theatre.”

“Proposal The proposal is for phase two of the district heat network which is currently under construction within Worthing Town Centre. The first phase included the energy centre on High St with connections to the Town Hall, Portland House, Worthing Hospital, Connaught Theatre and Worthing Museum. The pipes were laid underground in a trench which were then backfilled. Phase two of the heat network will connect additional buildings to the heat network.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The route crosses a mixed town-centre area, two conservation areas, archaeological notification areas and land near listed buildings.

“Unlike traditional gas or electric utilities, the Worthing Heat Network uses underground pipes to deliver centralised heat, reducing the need for individual systems and offering a more efficient, future-ready heating solution. During the course of the application the route has been more closely defined and the red line boundary reduced as a result. Revised documents have been submitted to show the revised route and reconsultation undertaken.”

“There are also numerous local interest buildings in the vicinity of the site. The route runs through the Historic Core of Worthing archaeological notification area and adjacent to Medieval Settlement Activity, High Street Archaeological Notification Area. Relevant Planning History…”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered the first buried pipework and the energy centre with associated equipment.

“AWDM/1196/23: Full planning permission for the buried pipework and other ancillary equipment such as valves associated with that pipework. The pipework will run underground across the town centre of Worthing and provide heat energy to multiple buildings across the Town. Please note, the infrastructure subject to this planning application is entirely underground so has no visual impact once the installation is complete.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the network supported low-carbon energy policy and construction effects could be managed through conditions.

“Strategic objective 21 of the Local Plan (2023) is as follows “Facilitate affordable, clean, secure energy through the delivery of sustainable, energy efficient, low carbon development and an increase in renewable, decentralised, low carbon energy and heat networks to achieve radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”

“Policy SP2 states that the council will support and promote the creation of low carbon heating/ cooling networks and the delivery of renewable energy schemes.”

Officer report

Trees and heritage

The assessment addressed conservation areas, listed buildings, archaeology and trees, with safeguards proposed for construction and possible tree effects.

“The development will be underground; once construction is complete the pipes will have no impact on the visual amenity of the area. However, the construction of the pipes may result in some impact on visual amenity and may impact heritage assets. The route is within two conservation areas, Steyne Gardens and South St, and in proximity to listed buildings.”

“There are two listed buildings / structures for which the works will encroach on their setting. The first is the war memorial at the south of Steyne Gardens (Grade II). However, the route has been specifically designed to bypass the memorial so that it is not adversely affected. A condition will be required to protect the memorial at all times to ensure the construction does not affect the structure. The second is the Grade II listed Pavilion Theatre.”

Officer report

Residents’ and businesses’ views

Fifty residents and businesses raised concerns about disruption, access, traffic, parking, noise, timing and loss of trade; three comments supported the project.

“- Small businesses should not pay parking charges, business rates etc - Impact on businesses over the christmas period - Impact on christmas events - ice rink, markets, fireworks etc - Works should be delayed until January - More information required about detailed plans and descriptions - Minimal consultation with local businesses, disregard for small businesses - Phase 1 has caused a lot of disruption and destroyed Worthing - Disruption will make it harder for disabled…”

“- Need compensation for loss of trade - Concerns about noise levels - Benefits won’t be felt by current businesses yet they endure constant disruption Three comments in support were received in support of the project and its impact on carbon savings. In September 2025, following revisions to the plans and additional information letters were sent to people who had previously provided comments on the scheme. 10 site notices were also erected along the route.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Speakers included people raising concerns about phase one, a Ward Councillor, a Hemiko representative and a Splashpoint representative.

What members debated

Members supported the project but sought conditions protecting businesses, access, trees, archaeology and important dates.

“During debate Members discussed that it was essential to impose conditions that would allow Hemiko to complete phase two but would also protect the businesses and allow them to operate successfully. Following lengthy discussion the committee agreed on some supplementary conditions and additions to some existing conditions. In brief these were -”

“amend condition 4 to specify girth size of 20cm of replacement tree T62 ● amend condition 9 to include that the archaeologist shall be agreed with the LPA ● additional condition 11 for a replacement tree if T63 is removed, girth size to be specified ● additional condition 12 requiring access to the High Street Car Park to be maintained at all times ● additional condition 13 preventing work occurring between 1 Dec 25 - 1 Jan 26, 28 Mar-12 Apr 26, 22 July-30 Aug, 24 Oct-5…”

Minutes

The votes

Members unanimously supported the supplementary conditions and unanimously supported delegated approval with those amendments.

“These were proposed, seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.”

“The committee then proposed to accept the Officers recommendation and agree that the application be delegated with a view to approval of the amendments/additional conditions above to be agreed with the Committee prior to the issuing of the decision…”

Minutes

The decision

The application was delegated for approval subject to amended and additional conditions being agreed before the decision was issued.

“Decision - Application be delegated with a view to approval with the above amendments/additional conditions to be agreed with the Committee prior to the issuing of the decision, and subject to conditions:-”

“Approved plans. Standard time limit. Development in accordance with Note on file - Steyne Gardens Trees including soil vacuum extraction. Watching brief 4. Relocation of tree T62 to be agreed with the Council 5. Details of mulch rings to be agreed with the Council 6. BNG plan to be submitted 7. Construction management plan 8. Benches to be carefully moved and stored while works are taking place and replaced following works 9. Archaeological watching brief 10.”

Minutes