Protesters fighting plans for a giant new superstore have been thrown into disarray.

They have been warned thousands of objections to the multi-million pound Asda scheme may not be considered at an inquiry this spring.

Now Worthing Borough Council is sending out 6,000 letters asking residents to resubmit their views. At the same time, it is seeking to get the February 10 deadline for objections extended so people have time to respond.

The inquiry into plans for a superstore and adjoining new Worthing College complex off Bolsover Road, Durrington, Worthing, was due to be heard at nearby Field Place from April 4 to April 13. But late last year, Asda and the college submitted a revised scheme that removed hundreds of surface parking spaces to the store's roof, allowing the college to retain playing fields previously destined to disappear.

The council asked for more details about the revised scheme, causing a delay, which prompted Asda and the college to lodge an appeal with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Now Asda and the college want only the revised plans debated at the inquiry.

But protesters, who claim they know little about the new plans, fear this will make all correspondence relating to the first scheme void.

Campaigner Graeme Cornell, of Melrose Avenue, said:

"All previous comments will not be permitted. The thousands of voices against the proposals have been silenced. It has in effect denied us the right to reply."

James Appleton, the council's assistant director of planning is seeking a meeting with officials to clarify the situation. He said: "Strictly speaking, anything associated with the first appeal is now not relevant to the latest proposals. I can understand the concern of everyone who submitted representations."

Principal Peter Corrigan wants to sell college land so Asda can build a superstore.

The proceeds from the sale would then be used to build a new college next door.

He disputed the protesters' claims, stating: "Our understanding is the inspector will still have access to previous documentation and is entitled to take it into account."

Asda spokesman Mark Brown added: "Our intention was never to disenfranchise those people who have made their views about our previous application known."

Monday, January 30, 2006