Plans for block of flats on former Worthing Poundland site approved

Plans to build a new block of flats above revamped retail space in the heart of Worthing have been approved. Worthing Borough Council’s planning committee gave the green light to the proposal by developer Century House to revamp the former Poundland site in Montague Street at a meeting on Wednesday (February 27).It will see the vacant 1960s building demolished and replaced with a new four-storey building comprising 26 one, two and three bedroom homes above retail on the ground floor.A report by planners which was discussed by the committee said the proposed development would bring ‘added vitality’ to the town centre while the design was a ‘significant improvement’ on the current building.The development will include secure, indoor cycle parking and councillors ruled that approval is dependent on the provision of a car club, as well as a sustainable travel plan being implemented for new residents. Objections to the scheme mainly focused on parking problems, loss of light to nearby properties and the possibility of overlooking.Supporters felt the development replaced an ‘ugly’ building, would help regenerate Montague Street and assist in improving the supply of housing. The approval is the latest scheme in Worthing town centre to receive planning approval.Landlord St Clair Developments received planning permission in December for a multi-million pound regeneration of the retailer’s current site creating a new 60,000 sq ft store for Beales, seven other retail units along with 45 new flats above.Across the road, planning permission has also been granted to Woolbro Homes to create retail and eight properties on the site of the vacant Mothercare store.