'We also want Asda, but on best site available,' says Arun

Chief executive Ian Sumnall said the council wanted national companies like Asda to get involved in reviving the town's economy. But that involvement had to be on the best sites to benefit everyone.

He was commenting after the council's development control committee made the unpopular decision of rejecting plans by Asda for a 48,000sq ft store at Oldlands Farm along the A29.

One of the reasons for the 11 votes to seven refusal by committee members just before Christmas was the need to protect Bognor's town-centre shops from an out-of-town development.

Mr Sumnall said he understood why residents would feel disappointed by the decision.

"The council welcomes and actively encourages investment in the town, especially from major operators such as Asda, to join the growing regeneration programme for Bognor. On this occasion, the location of the proposed development was deemed inappropriate '“ not, as it has been stated, the operator.

"The council has made it clear to Asda from the very start that there are more appropriate sites in town for this kind of retail development.

"Although it was Asda's decision to pursue the Oldlands Farm site rather than others, the council has nevertheless worked hard with Asda to resolve the numerous issues that have arisen as a result.

"This work has been acknowledged by Asda themselves," he stated.

"The council wishes to stress its ongoing commitment to regenerating Bognor based on a cohesive, long-term strategy that will help rejuvenate the town both now and in the future."

The central area of Bognor is still under consideration by St Modwen for a regeneration project. The company has until March 31 to come up with some ideas after councillors agreed to extend the original December 31 deadline because of the property market crash.

Part of the firm's ideas for the Hothamton site off Queensway is to use the site for new shops. A town-centre supermarket was one of the proposals put forward.

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