PLANS to build an Ikea and 600 homes have been given the go-ahead after months of deadlock.

The New Monks Farm development in Lancing had been on hold due to a dispute between councils and developer The Community Stadium Ltd over how much it should pay towards funding a new school for the project.

But now the developer has agreed to pay £3.6 million towards the opening of a new primary school, clearing the final hurdle for the development.

But if West Sussex County Council does not build the school within seven years, it will have to pay the money back to The Community Stadium Ltd, which is owned by Brighton and Hove Albion Holdings.

The project will include 600 homes, an Ikea, a primary school, a community centre and a new A27 access roundabout.

Adur District Council regeneration chief Councillor Brian Boggis said delays to the development had been “a bit like Brexit”.

But he said “all pot holes have been overcome”.

“A lot of people have had misgivings but it’s a very positive move for Lancing and the area, I think,” he said.

“Now we’re at the stage where can put stakes in the ground and get some action done.

“Of course we’d love to have the lovely green land between towns, but we’re between the South Downs and the sea but unfortunately there is huge pressure on housing.

“The new roundabout for the A27 will also save Shoreham Airport as lorries will be able to access it easier.”

Cllr Boggis said concerns over possible flooding have also been addressed.

“The newly constructed flood walls stop the risk of the river overflowing and we’re taking measures to eliminate the groundwater risk too,” he said.

The Community Stadium Ltd will first relocate the Withy Patch travellers’ camp before it begins work on a new A27 roundabout.

Work is then expected to begin on the rest of the development, with hopes the Ikea store will be finished next year, though no timescale has been confirmed.

As part of the agreement signed with councils, the developer will also put money towards healthcare, libraries and policing.

An Ikea spokeswoman said: “The timescales will be determined by elements of the scheme, including a new A27 junction, which must be in place before a store can open.”