WSN-2026-008 · ADUR

Ashcroft House delivery-model change

What did Adur spend and commit on its original council-led Ashcroft redevelopment before changing to a long-lease/development agreement with Worthing Homes, and does the new arrangement protect the value of the council's land and guarantee housing for Adur residents?

STATUS: RESEARCH COMPLETE — DISCLOSURE LATER

CASE FILE

Evidence-led investigation

CURRENT POSITION

Public-record stage complete. Demolition was competitively tendered (£129,200; five bids). Evidence points to a 250-year lease for a reported £500,000 premium, not a giveaway/freehold transfer. Core issue is public value and sunk costs, not favouritism.

KEY QUESTION

What did Adur spend and commit on its original council-led Ashcroft redevelopment before changing to a long-lease/development agreement with Worthing Homes, and does the new arrangement protect the value of the council's land and guarantee housing for Adur residents?

NEXT ACTION

Hold new request for now. When Adur request load eases, seek only: independent valuation/best-consideration evidence; non-confidential Development Agreement/lease terms; original scheme sunk costs; options appraisal/selection rationale; BLRF treatment.

BODY / ORGANISATION

Adur District Council / Worthing Homes

VIEW PRIMARY PUBLIC SOURCE →

CASE STATUS

Updated as evidence arrives

Opened: 27 August 2026

Current status: Public research exhausted — targeted disclosure required later

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