Watch as demolition works continue at iconic pagoda-style former home of The Body Shop in West Sussex; plans for future of site become clearer

Photos taken in early May showed demolition works had started at the former warehouse in Watersmead Business Park, Wick, after plans for the demolition of the headquarters were given the greenlight by the council in March.

New photos and video footage taken on Tuesday (June 10) show the continuation of these works after a new planning application was issued for the site.

The application (LU/93/25/PL) – submitted to Arun District Council – is for units five to seven at the business park off Norway Lane.

It requests the ‘part demolition, conversion, refurbishment and re-elevation’ of the current units and subsequent construction of retail (food and non-food), leisure and food & beverage units – together with associated car parking, access, loading areas, landscaping and associated works.

The plans involve two former Amazon warehouses and the former Body Shop HQ and would see the three-storey building and warehouses redeveloped into nine separate retail units.

The nine retail spaces will see seven retained warehouse units, whilst two will be new-build infill units.

There would also be changes to pedestrian-route and road layouts, planting areas including a pond, more parking spaces including EV bays, and ‘sustainable’ drainage infrastructure.

The plans say the HQ’s removal will also reduce the ‘apparent bulk’ of the site from Norway Lane and the A259.

A bug hotel is also to be constructed in a bid to increase biodiversity net gain on the site, creating ‘microhabitats’ for insects and pollinators there.

No objections have been registered by nearby residents or official bodies, like West Sussex County Council, so far.

The plans are set to be decided by Arun District Council by August 28 and can be found at www.arun.gov.uk/planning-application-search using the reference LU/93/25/PL.

In February, Hallway Properties announced the first steps in a proposed redevelopment project that would pave the way for a new wave of shops in Littlehampton.

The developer promised the plan would feature ‘some of the biggest names in retail’, adding: “The proposals aim to transform this long, unused space with a vibrant mix of retailers, featuring clothing and food stores, offering improved convenience for surrounding communities as well as new local jobs and training opportunities.

“The submission of technical documents marks the first step in the planning journey, with public consultation on the proposals due to be announced separately soon and a planning application submission in Spring. The early technical submissions relate to initial demolition works on part of the site to facilitate enabling works and site investigation.

"Furthermore, they also include screening the project for an Environmental Impact Assessment in preparation for a future planning application. Both will be explained further in the forthcoming community consultation.”

Mark Harris, partner at Freeths, who are advising and leading on the planning process, said: “This is the beginning of a process that will bring new life to a site that currently sits empty.

"While it’s too early to announce the names involved, we can share that discussions are progressing with some of the UK’s most recognisable retailers. We are looking forward to sharing more information and meeting with local people as part of the upcoming public consultation, with details due to be announced shortly.”

It comes after news at the end of last year that The Body Shop was relocating its head office to Brighton.

The company, a stalwart of British high streets for almost 50 years, opened its first store in Brighton in 1976.

Founded by the late, Dame Anita Roddick, the little green shop went on to become a global phenomenon, scaling to over 1,900 stores, in 75 countries. The Body Shop pioneered a new approach to selling cosmetic products that was totally at odds with the norms of the industry, putting ethics and sustainability at the heart of its products.

Meanwhile, mystery surrounds the disappearance of unique sculptures outside The Body Shop's former home. Read more at www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/mystery-surrounds-disappearance-of-unique-sculptures-outside-the-body-shops-former-home-in-west-sussex-amid-demolition-works-5165216