Countdown begins for Rustington Sainsbury’s rebuilding decision

The retail giant says almost nine out of 10 people giving feedback at three public exhibitions on the proposals in January either supported or tended to support the scheme.

The redevelopment of the site, on the Rustington Retail Park at New Road, would see the new store raised on stilts above the car parking area, with double the retail floor space. It would extend the range of goods on offer to include clothing and other non-food items and the full range of Sainsbury’s food items would also be available.

Other improvements would address the current problems in the store of congestion at peak times.

David Lazenby, Sainsbury’s town planning manager, said: “We are bringing forward exciting proposals to improve our existing offer in Rustington and are delighted with the high level of support that we have received from the local community”.

If the planning application is approved by Arun, Sainsbury’s intends to use the vacant Focus DIY store on the retail park for up to 18 months, while the rebuilding goes ahead. A separate application for change of use of the Focus unit has also been submitted to Arun.

Both sets of plans will be studied by officers before going to committee for decision.