Supermarket giant Asda has accused councillors who rejected its plans for a new store of caving in to a vocal minority.

The claim was made after Worthing Borough Council's development control committee went against the advice of its officers to throw out the £35 million scheme.

Asda wanted to build the store on the site of Worthing College, Bolsover Road, Durrington, with part of the deal including a new college on neighbouring playing fields.

During a heated meeting last Tuesday, councillors were greeted with thunderous applause from a packed public gallery at Worthing Town Hall when they went against the recommendation.

Naomi Duggan, Asda's head of property communications, said: "Thousands of local people have indicated their support for the Asda proposals for a new store at Bolsover Road."

At Tuesday's meeting councillors approved a linked application from Worthing College for a new school and associated facilities on the Bolsover Road site.

Ms Duggan said: "The new college cannot be built without the road infrastructure and financial contribution that will come from Asda developing part of Worthing College's existing site."

But the final decision on the Asda plan rests with a Government planning inspector who will preside over a public inquiry next April.