Retail park given go-ahead after access improved

Plans for a retail park in Broadbridge Heath have been approved after West Sussex County Council (WSCC) improved bike and pedestrian access.

Horsham District Council (HDC) originally gave the county council permission to develop a former depot off the A24 in September 2024 on the condition it made some changes.

The development could create around 150 jobs and is expected to include branches of Lidl and B&Q as well as Starbucks and McDonald's drive-throughs, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

There will be three pedestrian entrances via Wickhurst Lane, Broadbridge Way and near the neighbouring Tesco petrol station.

Since WSCC's original application in 2023, National Planning Policy Framework issued new guidance which states that applications for takeaways and fast food branches within walking distance of schools should be refused.

HDC's planning committee felt the guidance was "open to interpretation" and gave the project the go-ahead on Tuesday.

The depot was declared surplus to requirements by WSCC in 2018, and plans for the retail park were submitted in June 2023.

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