Hundreds of residents have shared their opinions on plans for a new retail park that would feature a Lidl and an M&S store.
Hallway Properties is seeking to redevelop the Watersmead Business Park site in Littlehampton to provide various new retail, food and leisure units, including a Lidl, M&S, Mountain Warehouse and Greggs.
The plot was previously occupied by the former headquarters of The Body Shop and Amazon, which ran two large distribution warehouses.
A public consultation into the development, which closes on April 16, has seen more than 500 people give their opinions on the plans, offering extensive support, but also some objection.
In a letter of support, Georgina Stone said: “This will be great use of the site.
“Very easily accessible for those living in Littlehampton or those passing through and creating much needed jobs for people in our area.
“It looks like a very well thought out plan including solar panels and electric car parking bays.”
Chris Olney added: “I think it’s a brilliant idea.
“It’ll liven up the area and bring some vibrancy to what was a bit drab.
“It’s a good use for this site and many will visit and make purchases.”
Bethany Winter praised in particular the proposals for an M&S and said the residents of Littlehampton and Rustington would “love” a new store, adding that it would “thrive” in the suggested location.
However, others have said that the proposals could impact Littlehampton’s town centre and raised concerns over potential increases in traffic.
Chris Richards said the plans posed a “substantial risk” to the town centre’s economic resilience and could harm the area even if they provided short-term gains.
Dina Varney added: “I strongly oppose the opening of another new supermarket on an already busy roundabout and A road.
“There are four supermarkets already open within a half mile radius of this and traffic is already a nightmare”
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The scheme collectively represents a £20 million investment in Littlehampton and is expected to create approximately 250 jobs at the Norway Lane site.
Developers have also proposed adding a new pedestrian crossing over the A259 to improve access.
M&S previously announced its plans for a 19,000 square foot store at the site in February.
The Body Shop said in October 2024 that it would move its Littlehampton and London offices to Brighton’s Plus X development after being saved from administration.