Worthing conservation areas

There are 27 designated conservation areas within Worthing which cover areas of special architectural or historic interest. Two of these (listed separately) are also located within the South Downs National Park (SDNP).

Worthing Conservation Area Reviews 2024:

Worthing Borough Council undertook a review of Goring Hall and Steyne Gardens conservation areas with the aim of producing character appraisals and management strategies. These replace the existing conservation area statements, which were prepared some years ago. The preparation of these statements is in accordance with government advice in Planning Policy Guidance 15 Note (PPG15) 'Planning and the Historic Environment', taking into account guidance produced by English Heritage.

In addition, the review resulted in a new conservation area being designated at Marine Gardens and environs.

For further information regarding the review and its recommendations see:

Worthing conservation area review interim report (1,951KB)

The conservation areas, character appraisals, guides and maps are linked below:

South Downs National Park (SDNP):

There are two conservation areas, Castle Goring and Highdown, which are within the National Park Authority for planning purposes.

Information relating to these conservation areas and others within the National Park, including the latest character appraisal and management plan for both Castle Goring and Highdown, can therefore be viewed on the National Park Authority's website via these links:

See also:

Dates of designation:

Worthing Conservation Areas - dates of designation (89KB)

If you live within a conservation area: you will be subject to additional planning controls. For instance, if you wish to substantially demolish a non-listed building in a conservation area then you would require a separate form of consent, known as:

Conservation area consent

In certain conservation areas the council has served Article 4 Directions, which remove the normal permitted development rights for alterations to dwelling houses such as the removal of walls, replacement of roof tiles and windows. If you intend to carry out any demolition works, other development, or if you wish to carry out works to trees in a conservation area you are advised to contact the Planning Section. We will clarify whether an application for conservation area consent or planning permission will be required, or in the case of trees whether such works will be acceptable. See: