The relocation of a global manufacturer has been described as a “dreadful missed opportunity” by a business leader.

Rayner Intraocular Lenses, which employs 170 workers in Hove, has had planning permission approved for a new facility in Worthing.

The ultra-hi-tech firm is moving its group headquarters to Worthing, building a £20 million facility and employing an extra 30 staff at the former Eurotherm site in Dominion Way.

The move was hailed in Worthing as evidence of the town’s strategic magnetism for big business after GlaxoSmithKline recently announced plans for a major facility there.

But business leaders in Brighton and Hove said the move was a “travesty” for the city.

Tony Mernagh, executive director of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, said: “Rayner is exactly the sort of firm that the city desperately needs to keep – a global, ultra-hi-tech manufacturing company with some of the most highly skilled workers in the UK.

“It is a travesty that they are leaving the city and it is made all the more galling by the fact that a new facility for them was included in previous plans for Patcham Court Farm but the proposal was rejected in favour of a De Vere Village hotel that never happened.

“It is a dreadful lost opportunity.”

Rayner developed the intraocular lens to treat cataracts, and is one of the leading companies in its field, selling to 70 markets worldwide.

The firm is expanding its global medical business and leaving retail.

A spokesman said: “Worthing is well positioned for the majority of employees and the site allows for future expansion. Rayner is entering into a very exciting period in its history and we are delighted that our future growth and development will be firmly based within West Sussex.”

Paul Yallop, leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “It’s very welcome. We’ve been working for a little behind the scenes so we’re very pleased. Worthing has certainly got the space. I’m hearing rumours that property managers are moving down and buying up portfolios.”

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We are taking steps to protect employment space in key areas of the city through our City Plan so that growing businesses have affordable premises where they can develop and provide future jobs.

“We are also working with neighbouring authorities, such as Worthing, to enable sustainable growth for the local economy in our region: the Greater Brighton economic area.

“This includes submitting joint bids for funding and working together on planning priorities to meet the needs of residents and ensure our future prosperity.”