David Lloyd complex update

It will now be referred to the Secretary of State for consideration, with view to permission being granted.

The application is for a tennis, health and fitness club, with indoor and outdoor swimming facilities, on land next to Lloyds TSB, off Romany Road, Durrington.

Plans for the two-storey complex include a 25-metre swimming pool, a children's pool, an 20-metre outdoor pool, a fitness hall, two exercise studios, five indoor and two outside tennis courts, four badminton courts, a bar and hair and beauty salon.

Councillors pledged their support to the scheme, although there was some concern over the location '“ in the local plan, the land was designated for business use, although the site has remained undeveloped for 12 years.

Durrington ward councillor Christine Allen said: "I really welcome this application. It's very much needed in this part of Worthing. I do realise not everybody will be able to afford the facilities. I hope there will be some sort of community involvement package, such as a junior tennis programme."

Conservative Nick John said: "It's a wonderful opportunity for Worthing to have a company that is internationally renowned. Hopefully it will attract other flagship companies to Worthing."

Conservative George Stephens said that although the complex would be "fantastic", he was concerned the council would "run rough-shod over the local plan" if the application was approved.

In response, Lib Dem Eric Mardell said: "The site has been marketed for business use for 12 years and there's been no interest whatsoever."

The council has received letters from members of the public concerned about noise and light pollution, however, planning officer James Appleton said that because of recommended planning conditions, this should not cause a problem.