ON THE face of it the development being proposed by the Albion is a massive boost for the county.

We need homes and we need schools. So while the club is refreshingly honest that it is looking to recoup money and act like a developer, there are big positives to celebrate.

Many of us, whether we admit it or not, have been hoping that Ikea would come here.

A trip to Croydon or Southampton is a long old way for a flat-pack wardrobe for your child’s bedroom.

The popularity of the Swedish store does not seem to be waning so as a headline act for this project it is a master stroke by the football club.

As always the devil is in the detail. The types of homes and the architectural value are important.

The effect on the flood plain even more so. We are already being assured that the proposals will help on that issue, not make the matter worse, though it is hard to see how concreting over many parts of the area can help.

Another problem is the A27. Drivers already hate the series of roundabouts that you hit soon after the Sussex pad.

If you are on a trip to Hampshire it feels like it takes for ever.

Adding another roundabout will not be the PR success that Ikea is. Can we not have sliproads instead with a bridge or underpass for those heading on to the Downs?

But let’s not get bogged down with negativity as on the whole this project needs to happen.

Homes, a school and 1,000 jobs would be silly to turn down.

The Albion are doing a fine job heading towards the Premier League and now they may well deliver the store shoppers have been hoping for.