AN application to turn a former swimming pool site into a 147-home tower block has been submitted to councillors.

Developer Roffey Homes wants to regenerate Worthing’s old Aquarena site in Brighton Road into a new £40 million housing development with a 21-storey tower and public car park.

Despite public criticism that the development was unsuitable for the town, Roffey Homes this week submitted a planning application to Worthing Borough Council.

The Worthing-based company amended its designs after feedback following a consultation exhibition last month.

Roffey Homes managing director Ben Cheal said: “I’m grateful to everybody who took part in the consultation, because their feedback has helped inform our final designs.

“People told us they supported the principle of redeveloping the site and many said they were pleased with the inclusion of affordable homes.”

Mr Cheal said his firm wanted to create a “landmark building” that represented Worthing’s confidence as a “vibrant and thriving seaside town”.

He said: “As part of the carefully considered design, we have set back the tallest element of the development to respect long-distance views for neighbouring properties.

“We’re also investing in a rejuvenation of the areas on all sides of the site, as well as creating public open spaces.”

The development would boast 37 affordable units after a reduction in the original number of three bedroom homes and increase in one and two-bedroom homes.

Roffey Homes says half of the homes for private sale will be available at prices lower than the value of homes in nearby New Parade.

The plans also include a £3 million public car park that developers say will both support the SplashPoint leisure centre and relieve pressure on parking spaces in surrounding roads. Additionally, Roffey will redevelop the promenade area in front of the site.

Resident Nic Darlington, of Church Walk, Worthing, said he would welcome the development as long as it provided affordable homes for first-time buyers.

He said: “But it has to be done properly. I want to see the empty land made use of but the designs have to be suited to the area and I think that’s what people are concerned about at the moment.”