A big new shopping scheme in central Worthing looks like getting the go-ahead.

Developers want to knock down five shops on the corner of Montague Street and Portland Road and replace them with a single large retail store.

The properties which would be demolished include Gamleys toy shop in Portland Road, two empty shops, Foto Processing and John Wildman Butchers in Montague Street.

Exactly who would move into the new buildings is not clear.

The plan has angered some traders in Portland Road, who say it would cut them off from the main shopping thoroughfare and hit their business.

But a report to Worthing councillors recommends that they approve the development when they meet tomorrow.

Worthing Council principal planning officer Paul Pennicott said the new building scheme would be in a neo-Regency style which was both innovative and in keeping with the conservation area.

He added that the existing buildings were not of architectural or historic interest, and their contribution to the conservation area was "not a positive one".

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