URL: https://democracy.adur-worthing.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1296

Decision Maker: Chief Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: That the award of £30,060 to Apron Creative CIC for development of the Apron Community Farm project on Adur Council land at Old Salts Farm is approved.   Adur District Council owns land at Old Salts Farm, Lancing which was previously home to Riverside Equestrian Centre, tenants who surrendered their lease in 2024.  The council subsequently issued an expression of interest which attracted 7 applications, some of which were commercial operators or businesses, and not deemed appropriate for the site.  2 community/social value based applications were taken through to full business plan development.  One application was a proposal to support the homeless through practical learning with car repair, and the other was Apron Community Farm which included regenerative farming features such as a polytunnel, herb garden and orchard, as well as sites for wellbeing and therapy sessions, an educational space, an area for a children’s forest school, ponds and workshop spaces for traditional craftspeople to share their skills.  This application was assessed by a panel of officers as most suitable for the location, delivering a range of benefits and outcomes, particularly local community involvement. The council is keen to see the site regenerated for the benefit of the local community and recognises the costs involved in developing the project to the stage that further external funding can be secured.  Following consideration at the Joint Strategic Committee, October 2025 as part of the councils wider Fair, Green and Local strategy, as well as Nature Vision, the Adur Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure is asked to consider the release of £30,060 to support Phase 1 Project Development.  Apron Creative CIC have launched a Crowdfunder in parallel to this request, is securing a range of pro bono support, and has also submitted a funding proposal to the National Heritage Lottery Fund for £55,000 for the project’s Phase 3. In making this decision for Phase 1 funding, it should be recognised that delivery of the final project will be reliant on the securing of future phases of funding, including Phase 2, which is not yet secured. A considerable amount of unpaid volunteering time has already been committed to the project.  Apron Community Farm promises to transform an unused piece of public land into a vibrant community facility, with additional natural flood management benefits through the proposed wetland scheme.   Given the EOI process did not generate any suitable alternatives, if the project does not receive development funding, it is likely that the land will remain unused, with the additional risk that the Local Government Reform process underway will further reduce the likelihood of active project work at this site for some years to come.  

Date of Decision: October 29, 2025