A proposal to construct approximately 22 residences above a row of shops has received the green light.

The scheme, put forward by Far castle Limited, involves constructing an additional storey on Queens Parade along North Road in Lancing to create 21 apartments.

The existing parade comprises a two-storey structure dating from the mid-1960s featuring retail space, with a Co-op store situated at ground level and 11 apartments already located on the floor above.

The approved scheme will add 21 new homes through a vertical extension, alongside work to restore the current building, install new windows, and carry out redecoration.

The accommodation will consist of a combination of one, two, three, and four-bedroom properties.

The location sits on previously developed land and is described as highly convenient, with local facilities and public transport options within easy reach.

No vehicle parking will be provided as a result of the scheme’s position within the town centre.

The project will also not include any affordable homes after analysis indicated this would render the development financially unfeasible.

Outline permission was previously awarded in 2017 for a comparable vertical addition to the building that would have delivered nine flats, however the scheme was never carried out and that consent has now lapsed.

The latest application is anticipated to make a significant and measurable addition to Arun’s housing stock, with the local authority currently possessing only a 3.5-year housing supply against the required five-year target.