Planning Permission in Worthing
Non-Metropolitan District in South East · Last updated April 2026
Worthing is a seaside town on the West Sussex coast, sitting between the South Downs and the English Channel. The town expanded rapidly in the Regency and Victorian periods, creating a distinctive seafront architecture alongside the older village cores of Broadwater, Tarring, and Goring. The South Downs National Park boundary runs along the northern edge.
With 26 conservation areas, 8 Article 4 directions, and 210 listed buildings, Worthing has strong heritage character for a coastal town. The council approved 94.6% of applications in the year ending September 2025 — well above the national average.
This guide covers permitted development rights, planning fees, and the application process for homeowners in Worthing — from seafront properties to inland suburbs and the Downs fringe.
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What can I build in Worthing?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (26), Article 4 zones (8), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (26), Article 4 zones (8), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (26), Article 4 zones (8), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Worthing | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within size/height limits | Large outbuildings covering >50% of garden | Conservation areas (side or front), listed buildings |
| Porch | Most properties if within 3m² and 3m height | Properties near highway boundary | Conservation areas with restrictions, listed buildings |
| Solar panels | Most properties (roof-mounted) | Panels protruding beyond roofline | Listed buildings, conservation areas (if visible from road) |
| Driveway / hard standing | If using permeable surfacing | Non-permeable surfacing over 5m² | Conservation areas with specific restrictions |
| Garage conversion | Most of Worthing (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Worthing's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Worthing
Worthing has no Green Belt, and properties within the South Downs National Park on the northern edge are handled by the Park Authority. Standard PD rights apply to most properties in the urban area. The 26 conservation areas and 8 Article 4 directions restrict development in the seafront, town centre, and historic village cores. The 94.6% approval rate — one of the highest nationally — shows a very supportive approach.
What Worthing expects from your project
Local design guidance
Design Guide (Local Plan policies)
Local Plan: Worthing Core Strategy 2003–2026
Worthing Borough adopted its Core Strategy in April 2011. The compact coastal borough is tightly constrained by the South Downs National Park to the north and the English Channel to the south, with development focused on Worthing town centre intensification and regeneration of the seafront and retail areas.
Emerging / replacement plan
Worthing (working jointly with Adur District Council) is preparing a new Local Plan. A Regulation 19 Pre-Submission plan was consulted on in 2023–2024, with submission to the Planning Inspectorate anticipated in 2025.
26 conservation areas
Worthing has a high number of conservation areas. Check whether your property falls within one before starting any work — conservation area status significantly restricts what you can do without planning permission.
94.6% approval rate
Worthing approves 94.6% of planning applications, above the national average of 86.9%. Well-designed residential applications in this area tend to have a good chance of success.
Conservation areas in Worthing
26 designated conservation areas
Worthing's 26 conservation areas include the seafront (with Regency and Victorian terraces), the town centre, and the historic villages of Broadwater, Tarring (with its medieval bishop's palace), and Goring. With 210 listed buildings, the heritage is focused on the seaside architecture and medieval village cores. The 8 Article 4 directions provide additional control over front-facing changes in the most sensitive streets.
Article 4 directions in Worthing
8 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Worthing
There are 210 listed buildings in Worthing. If your property is listed, permitted development rights are significantly restricted. Most external and many internal alterations will require listed building consent, which is separate from planning permission. Always check with Worthing's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Worthing received 593 planning applications and decided 554 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 94.6% is above the national average of 86.9%. Major applications are expected to be decided within 13 weeks, while householder and other non-major applications have an 8-week target. The “in time” figures include decisions made within agreed extensions of time.
Worthing processed planning decisions with an impressive 94.6% approval rate in the year ending September 2025 — well above the national average. This high rate reflects the council's supportive approach to appropriate development and relatively few major constraints outside the conservation areas.
If your project complies with permitted development rules, you don't need to worry about approval rates — a Lawful Development Certificate is a factual assessment, not a judgment call.
Recent planning applications in Worthing
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Worthing expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Worthing's portal →Data from MHCLG planning application register. Search for householder applications (H01/H02) to see extensions and loft conversions in your area.
Housing delivery in Worthing
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Worthing delivered 656 homes against a requirement of 613 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 107%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Worthing are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Worthing
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Worthing that your project is lawful under permitted development rules. It is not legally required before you build, but it is the only official document that proves your project did not need planning permission. Most solicitors will ask for one when you come to sell, remortgage, or insure your property.
Worthing decided 305 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 95.4% is above the national average of 93%, which suggests LDC applications are likely to be processed on time. LDC applications follow the same 8-week statutory determination period as householder planning applications.
How to apply for an LDC in Worthing
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Worthing's website. You will need to submit:
- A completed application form (available on the Planning Portal)
- A site location plan at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale
- Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations
- A written description of the proposed works and how they comply with the GPDO 2015
- The application fee of £258
Worthing must issue a decision within 8 weeks. If the application is approved, the certificate is a permanent legal record that the development is lawful. If refused, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate or amend your project and reapply.
Need help preparing your LDC application?
Our Permitted Development Certificate Report gives you a full PD eligibility assessment, property constraints check, and application checklist tailored to your address and project — so you can apply with confidence.
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Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Worthing.
Pre-application advice in Worthing
Worthing offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is From £150 for householder proposals.
Pre-app advice is worth paying for if your project is borderline, your property is in a conservation area, or your home is a listed building.
Think your project might be permitted development?
Check in 2 minutes with our free tool — no sign-up needed.
Check your PD rights now →Worthing offers pre-application advice through the joint service with Adur.
Planning fees and timelines in Worthing
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning application | £528 | 8 weeks |
| Full planning permission | £610 per dwelling | 8-13 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | 6-8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | 6-8 weeks |
| Listed building consent | Free | 8 weeks |
| Prior approval | £120 | 56 days |
| Discharge of conditions | £145 per request | 8 weeks |
| Non-material amendment | £44 | 28 days |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Worthing and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Worthing
Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission. Most extensions, loft conversions, and structural alterations need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
Building control in Worthing is provided by Adur & Worthing Councils. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Worthing planning department
Your building project checklist for Worthing
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Worthing has 26 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Worthing has 8 Article 4 areas. Check your address.
- Check if your property is listed — search the Historic England list.
- Use our free PD checker to see if your project qualifies as permitted development — Check now.
- Consider a Lawful Development Certificate if PD applies — it protects you when selling. Learn more about LDCs or get your PD Certificate Report.
- Consider pre-application advice if planning permission is needed — see the pre-application section above.
- Check building regulations — most extensions and loft conversions need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
- Check Party Wall Act obligations if building near a boundary — read our Party Wall guide or use our free Party Wall tool.
- Notify your home insurer about planned building work.
- Get at least 3 quotes from builders and check their credentials.
Nearby planning authorities
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