A proposal to build a new police custody centre on the edge of Worthing has been given tentative approval.

The centre will form part of the new Sussex Police area headquarters complex at Centenary House, Durrington.

It is expected to consist of 19 cells, juvenile detention rooms, interview and solicitor's rooms, and a small exercise area.

A Worthing Council planning committee has given permission in principle for the development to go ahead, but insists a more detailed application should be submitted.

The police custody centre will replace existing custody facilities at local stations in the Highdown division area, which covers Worthing, Littlehampton, Lancing and surrounding towns and villages.

Worthing councillors want the county council to work with the police on providing access to the site, avoiding residential roads.

Planning officer James Appleton said: "We believe the best solution is to use Littlehampton Road and will be pressing for that option to be taken up.

A full application is expected to be submitted early next year.