Homes and shops for ex-Poundland site in Worthing

Worthing Borough Council's Planning Committee gave the green light to the proposal by developer Century House to revamp the former Poundland site in Montague Street at a meeting.

It will see the vacant 1960s building demolished and replaced with a new four-storey building.

This will include 26 one, two and three bedroom homes above retail on the ground floor.

A report by planners which was discussed by the committee said the proposed development would bring "added vitality" to the town centre while the design was a "significant improvement" on the current building.

Residents will be provided with secure indoor cycle parking. Councillors also ruled that approval for the scheme is dependent on the provision of a car club, as well as a sustainable travel plan being implemented for new residents.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “The ongoing regeneration of the town centre is one of the Council's major ambitions.

“This new development feeds into that, creating much-needed housing while providing modern retail space in a prominent location in the heart of Worthing. I look forward to seeing the developers start work soon.”

The approval is the latest scheme in Worthing town centre to receive planning approval.

The largest scheme revolves around Beales, a major department store which has had a presence in the town for more than 15 years.

Landlord St Clair Developments received planning permission in December for a multi-million pound regeneration of the retailers current site creating a new 60,000 sq ft store for Beales, seven other retail units along with 45 new flats above.

Across the road, planning permission has also been granted to Woolbro Homes to create retail and eight properties on the site of the vacant Mothercare store.

The proposal for the Worthing Observation Wheel (WOW) has also been received by the local authority with a decision expected in the coming weeks.