THE Ropetackle site in Shoreham has been an eyesore for too long - but that maybe about to change.

Developer Berkeley Homes has applied for planning permission to redevelop the site. Included in the plans are 220 new homes, business units, a community centre, parks and a new public footpath beside the River Adur.

It is important the developer, the South-East England Development Agency, and Adur District Council get it right.

A number of much-needed, low-cost homes are promised; let us hope there are enough of them, 50 at the very least, and they are not shunted off to a corner of the new estate as often happens.

Inexpensive homes are also needed for first-time buyers and people on lower-than-average incomes who are being excluded from the housing market.

The new homes and business units should all be energy efficient and planners should consider alternative forms of energy such as solar panels.

Car dependence should also be tackled and the project should include cycle ways linking the homes to Shoreham station and Brighton, Hove and Worthing.

The council is consulting on the proposals until July, so there is time for everybody to have their say.

The site has been an eyesore for 35 years; for the next generation it should be a pointer to the future.