Adur is a coastal district in West Sussex, encompassing the towns of Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, and Southwick. The area is renowned for its maritime heritage, with Shoreham Harbour serving as a significant port. Architecturally, the district boasts a range of listed buildings, particularly in the historic town centres. Notable structures include Lancing College Chapel and the Grade II* listed Shoreham Tollbridge.
In the last year Adur decided 310 applications which is well below the national average of 988. The approval rate was 92% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 59% of applications were decided on time, (on par with the national average of 59%). Stats updated March 2026 from gov. sources. See how Adur performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), often referred to as National Landscapes, are protected for their remarkable natural and scenic value. Any development proposals here are closely evaluated, with a strong presumption against works that could harm the landscape.
Adur contains parts of the South Downs AONB. Development must preserve visual and ecological character.
In our experience, one of the top reasons proposals in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are refused is causing landscape harm or visual intrusion, a risk that often arises when applications are not fully informed. We help minimise the likelihood of refusal with expert, guidance; contact us here.
Adur has a varied historic environment shaped by its coastal and river valley setting, with several Conservation Areas and a number of listed buildings. Heritage constraints are particularly evident within the Shoreham-by-Sea Conservation Area and Southwick Conservation Area, where historic street patterns, maritime character, and traditional building forms define local identity.
One of the top reasons heritage building applications are refused is causing harm to historic significance, a risk that can arise when proposals are not prepared by a consultant with heritage expertise. We help minimise this risk with expert, site-specific guidance; contact us here.
Open Countryside within Adur refers to land situated outside built-up areas and Green Belt boundaries, typically comprising farmland or natural landscapes. Residential development is generally restricted unless special circumstances can be demonstrated.
The rolling farmland and coastal hinterlands of Adur are visually sensitive, with development tightly controlled to protect the South Downs foothills and scenic coastline.
One of the top reasons poorly prepared proposals in the Open Countryside are refused is that they fail to demonstrate a policy-supported need. To minimise that risk with bespoke advice contact us here.
In addition to acting as Planing Conultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. Our planning proposals are creatively tailored to each site to maximise potential and improve planning outcomes. We use the following tried and tested process to guide clients in Adur through planning to completion:
We work collaboratively with clients and shape a design that respects local character and meets Planning Policy requirements in order to maximise your chances of winning Planning Permission.
Adur is a coastal district in West Sussex, encompassing the towns of Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, and Southwick. The area is renowned for its maritime heritage, with Shoreham Harbour serving as a significant port. Architecturally, the district boasts a range of listed buildings, particularly in the historic town centres. Notable structures include Lancing College Chapel and the Grade II* listed Shoreham Tollbridge.
In the last year Adur decided 310 applications which is well below the national average of 988. The approval rate was 92% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 59% of applications were decided on time, (on par with the national average of 59%). Stats updated March 2026 from gov. sources. See how Adur performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), often referred to as National Landscapes, are protected for their remarkable natural and scenic value. Any development proposals here are closely evaluated, with a strong presumption against works that could harm the landscape.
Adur contains parts of the South Downs AONB. Development must preserve visual and ecological character.
In our experience, one of the top reasons proposals in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are refused is causing landscape harm or visual intrusion, a risk that often arises when applications are not fully informed. We help minimise the likelihood of refusal with expert, guidance; contact us here.
Adur has a varied historic environment shaped by its coastal and river valley setting, with several Conservation Areas and a number of listed buildings. Heritage constraints are particularly evident within the Shoreham-by-Sea Conservation Area and Southwick Conservation Area, where historic street patterns, maritime character, and traditional building forms define local identity.
One of the top reasons heritage building applications are refused is causing harm to historic significance, a risk that can arise when proposals are not prepared by a consultant with heritage expertise. We help minimise this risk with expert, site-specific guidance; contact us here.
Open Countryside within Adur refers to land situated outside built-up areas and Green Belt boundaries, typically comprising farmland or natural landscapes. Residential development is generally restricted unless special circumstances can be demonstrated.
The rolling farmland and coastal hinterlands of Adur are visually sensitive, with development tightly controlled to protect the South Downs foothills and scenic coastline.
One of the top reasons poorly prepared proposals in the Open Countryside are refused is that they fail to demonstrate a policy-supported need. To minimise that risk with bespoke advice contact us here.
In addition to acting as Planing Conultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. Our planning proposals are creatively tailored to each site to maximise potential and improve planning outcomes. We use the following tried and tested process to guide clients in Adur through planning to completion:
We work collaboratively with clients and shape a design that respects local character and meets Planning Policy requirements in order to maximise your chances of winning Planning Permission.
