New job opportunities will soon be created as a planning application to develop a retail site and Business Park at Oldlands Farm in Bognor Regis has been approved. The application, from developers Hanbury Properties Ltd, has been backed by local councillor and its hoped that the project will kick start further development in Bognor Regis and strengthen a bid for enterprise zone status.

Developers Hanbury Properties will be able to build on 18.94 hectares of farmland between the existing A29 and the new Bognor Regis northern relief road. The development of the mixed use site will lead to the direct employment of around 118 people during the construction phase and the creation of up to 1,860 on-site jobs during the operational phase.

David Myers, the consultant to Bognor Regis Ltd, said: “Oldlands Farm is recognised as a key strategic development site within the coastal West Sussex area, to deliver employment opportunities which we all know are badly needed. Bognor Regis Ltd believes this application should be enthusiastically welcomed. We need to embrace any employment land we can get.”

Iain Shepherd, Chairman of the Coastal West Sussex Partnership added: “Granting this application is going to be absolutely key to helping Bognor Regis move towards getting enterprise zone status which I hope can be achieved. Arun has a low business density and we know there are businesses looking to grow and expand in the area. Being able to retain them is absolutely essential. We need to have a long-term vision. Businesses need confidence in an area to enable them to invest for the future.”