Work begins on sandpit despite planning refusal

Work to build a large children's sandpit and recreation area in a field in West Sussex has begun, despite planning permission being refused.

Chris Dixon applied to build a 25m/sq sandpit, "tumble down mound", boules pitch and bar area on land off Marine Drive, Goring, however his bid was rejected.

But Mr Dixon confirmed in an online statement that he had begun building the project anyway, and that there would "soon be 23 flag poles proudly waving the Union Jack".

A spokesperson for Worthing Borough Council said it was waiting for further information about the works before taking any action.

"We've been made aware of the activity and have written to the landowner for clarification about what he is doing there," they said.

"We will then consider whether any enforcement action is necessary."

Mr Dixon's company, Goring Gap Limited, announced plans last year to create a "fenced family entertainment area" focused around the sandpit.

The scheme also includes concessions for vendors selling food, drinks, snacks and sweets from gazebos and trailers, as well as a bar for alcohol.

It would also feature toilets and car parking facilities.

The council previously said it rejected the plans because it had not received enough information from Mr Dixon to prove that the "use and operations described in the application would be or are lawful".

"The proposed leisure related uses would involve a material change of use of the land, which was previously agricultural, and the associated works would be operational development," the added.

The council said it believed such a development would be unlawful under Section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Mr Dixon said he disagreed that the works constituted operational development.

On 15 May, he posted to his website: "Work has begun on the children's sandpit, tumble down mound, boules and bar area.

"There will soon be 23 flag poles proudly waving the Union Jack, Worthing and Sussex colours."

Mr Dixon told the BBC he was ready to go to court to defend the building work.

"There are some very rich people in Ferring who don't want their view to change, they're happy with the way things look," he said.

"I'm fifth generation Worthing. All we've done is regenerate something. What are we doing wrong?

"It's for the wellbeing of our community, I'm not charging anyone to come in.

"Take me to court and get me to stop."

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