Special meeting on Asda project

The council members agreed that the major development by the retailer should be considered at a separate meeting of the council.

Asda expects to submit its formal application for the 75,000-80,000sq ft store off Oldlands Way within the next two months.

The 30m proposals also include the installation of all the services for a neighbouring business park as well as a 10,000sq m office block for the first commercial building there. The application will be sent to Arun District Council to consider.

But the parish council always has the chance to debate planning matters in its area and pass its opinion to Arun.

This task is usually performed by the parish's planning, amenities and environment committee.

But councillors agreed on Tuesday that the scheme deserved to be scrutinised by all councillors.

Parish council clerk Michael Johnson said this would repeat the arrangement for the site six housing development.

Cllr Simon McDougall said: "As and when a planning application is received from Asda, it should be put on the main council agenda for a separate full meeting of the council to discuss it.

"That will be the best way of dealing with the matter. Every councillor will get the chance of making their voice heard early on."