Former Littlehampton Waitrose site - Decision due on latest redevelopment plan

The old supermarket building would be knocked down and replaced with 37 residential dwellings and flexible commercial floorspace.

The latest application is set to be discussed by Arun District Council’s development control committee on Wednesday (December 2).

The site in Avon Road has had a winding history since the retailer exited the town centre and moved to Rustington.

A previous application for 83 apartments and some retail space was refused by Arun back in 2019.

The decision was upheld at appeal by a planning inspector.

The latest application would see the former Waitrose building on the southern part of the site demolished and two replacement buildings constructed in its place with commercial floorspace on one of the ground floors and residential use above, providing 17 units in total.

A third residential building would be located on the former Waitrose car park, comprising 20 apartments.

The plans have been amended since they were first submitted to Arun.

These have seen the number of residential units reduced from 50 to 37, a subsequent reduction in height across the scheme, parking opposite Avon House reduced and replaced with extra landscaping and design changes to the northern building.

Littlehampton Town Council, the Littlehampton Society and Littlehampton Heritage Group have all registered objections.

For the town council, its main concerns are the impact of parking on the surrounding roads and the belief the revised designs are out of keeping with the town centre and would not invigorate the high street.

The Littlehampton Society argues the general appearance of the development ‘shows little appreciation of the sensitivity of the surrounding area’, while the heritage group feels the creation of new blocks of flats ‘is at odds with the characteristics of this area’.

Arun planning officers are recommending approval subject to conditions.