Sainsbury's still confident about new Bognor store

The companies' plan for a superstore and enterprise centre was unanimously approved by Arun District Council.

But they must wait to see if the Government Office for the South-East (GOSE) raises any objection to the scheme.

Max Whitehand, Sainsbury's regional development executive, said: "We hope that the decision made by local councillors will be supported by GOSE, given the accepted and wide-ranging benefits that the scheme delivers and that the proposals represent the only realistic option of regenerating the former Lec site in the foreseeable future."

Raof Daud, a director of landowner Sime Darby, added: "There is still work to be done before we secure formal planning consent.

"But this support from the councillors is a major milestone achievement towards the regeneration of the site.

"We would like to commence work to transform the site as soon as possible."

In the meantime, both men are content with the council's endorsement of their blueprint for the land between the A29 Shripney Road and the Barnham to Bognor Regis railway line.

Mr Whitehand said: "We are thrilled to receive a unanimous vote in favour of our proposals.

"A new Sainsbury's for Bognor Regis will not only give residents far greater main food shopping choice and provide up to 400 new jobs, but would underpin the regeneration of a derelict site on a key gateway into the town."

Mr Daud added: "We are absolutely delighted at the result of the planning meeting and would like to convey our thanks to Arun District Council for placing their trust in us to deliver the regeneration of this strategic site."