M&S urges Littlehampton residents to back at-risk retail park plans
A retailer has called on the community to support its development plans after they were recommended for refusal by Arun District Council (ADC).
The development – which would house M&S Food, Lidl, Home Bargains, B&Q and Greggs – is proposed for the site of two former Amazon warehouses and the former Body Shop HQ, which was demolished last year.
It is expected to create more than 280 new local jobs across the businesses, according to M&S.
However, ADC planning officers said the development ‘would result in a significant adverse impact on the vitality, viability and investment’ in Littlehampton and Rustington’s existing shopping areas.
M&S said the scheme includes plans for an ‘over million-pound town centre support package to create a new Town Centre Manager role and support both Littlehampton and Rustington town centres’.
The planning committee is due to meet on Wednesday (July 22) to discuss the proposals.
Following the decision, the retailer has asked Littlehampton residents to submit letters of support. It has already received more than 575 since sharing its plans with residents in February.
Mike Devine, from the M&S Property team, said: “At Watersmead, we have the opportunity to bring M&S Food to Littlehampton for the very first time.
"We’ve had a brilliant response from residents to the plans and we want to deliver them.
“We’re disappointed by this initial recommendation however we have one week to go until planning committee on 22nd July, and there is still time for residents to show their support.
"These plans will help transform a derelict and vacant site, create hundreds of local jobs and provide more local shopping choice for residents, reducing the need to travel beyond Littlehampton to shop.
"We’re grateful for everyone’s support so far and now, we’re asking residents for their help again.”
Residents can submit a letter of support via: www.littlehamptonmands.co.uk, or by contacting their local representative.