Plans to turn a former Debenhams into flats and a commercial space have been approved at a council meeting.

80 one and two-bedroom flats can now be created on the site in South Street, Worthing, which previously housed the department store.

As part of the plans, developers will now also be able to create a new shopping space on the ground floor as well as a “sky lounge” and home working area.

In a supporting letter on behalf of Craig Developments, a spokesman wrote: “Based on the positively received representations of support during the consultation period, it is clear that Worthing welcomes the opportunity for regeneration in this area and supports the proposal of much-needed housing and vitality to this town centre location.”

Plans initially went before the Adur and Worthing Council planning committee in June but were deferred over concerns about fire safety.

Developers also plan to renovate part of the site that currently sits over the existing Iceland car park.

MOST READ:

The plans were subsequently addressed at a planning meeting held on Wednesday, September 20.

An additional committee report filed earlier this week recommended that the plans be granted with the committee voting in favour of approval.

Also included in the new development will be a sky lounge for residents, home working space and a bike store.

Debenhams closed all of its stores in 2019 after going into administration, with the Worthing site bought by Craig Developments in 2021.

Owner Paul Craig said in 2022: “The future of the high street is bright, but it is going to be different.

“It will no longer be hundreds of square metres of shops but will hopefully become more of a community with people living and shopping locally.

“Adur and Worthing Councils have a very positive attitude towards regenerating Worthing and going forward with developments, which has given us the confidence to take the risk and buy this old building despite the huge amount of work that is needed to regenerate and rebuild it.”