Allowing a former shop to be used as a dental practice in an area where retailers are struggling is a “no brainer”, councillors agreed.

The shop in Brunswick Road, Shoreham, has been on the market for six months with no takers from the retail sector.

Adur District Council head of planning James Appleton told the planning committee four businesses had set up in it over the past six years.

He said: “I think the closure of the post office has reduced footfall in that area and I think retailers are struggling.”

A report said allowing a Mydentist practice to use the shop would attract more people to the area which could, in turn, support the other shops. Mydentist will take over the ground floor, while the top floor will remain as office space.

Councillor Stephen Chipp said: “It’s a no-brainer.

“It’s going to be serving NHS patients, they’re going to be spending money.”