Decision spells the end for part of Worthing's history

The plans would see the buildings, at the junction of Grafton Place and Portland Road, demolished and replaced with a mixed-use development.

This would comprise ground-floor office space, a refuse and recycling point, bicycle storage, nine parking spaces, a new pedestrian alleyway and a lift and stair lobby to first-floor level.

The scheme would also include eight apartments and was given the green light at the beginning of the month.

But historian and Worthing resident Chris Hare said: "Another bit of old Worthing bites the dust. With little consideration for their own policy regarding the Chapel Road Conservation Area, councillors voted to approve the destruction of buildings that date back to the first half of the 19th century and replace them with buildings that are pretending to be old. If this can happen in a conservation area, God help the rest of the town."

For full story see West Sussex Gazette December 10