Adur council planners twice refused Coral Racing Ltd's plans for the licensed betting office in the former St Barnabas House hospice charity shop in Southwick Square.

But Coral decided to appeal against the decision and the matter was brought before Janice Trask, a planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, earlier this month.

Mrs Trask dismissed the appeal because turning a shop into a bookmakers would "detract from the centre's vitality and viability".

Vitality

In her report, Mrs Trask said retaining a variety of small shops would benefit the area, while a second betting shop was unlikely to attract more people to Southwick.

"There is a need to retain the character and vitality of shopping centres, including continuity and, in this case, the concentration of retail units in prominent, central positions," she said.

"I have taken the need to meet the diverse needs of all people, to enhance customer choice and to encourage a range of shopping, leisure and local services within an accessible centre.

"But, a betting office already exists in the centre and in this case I consider the need to protect existing facilities, providing for the day-today needs of those in the area, is of overriding importance."

Out-gunned

Janet Mockridge, West Sussex county councillor for Southwick, said: "It was a David and Goliath conflict and we were seriously out-gunned, but people power won the day, and the petition signed by hundreds of local people made all the difference.

"So it just goes to show that we can win if we all pull together, and that the big boys don't always win."

Adur district councillor Peter Metcalfe, who represents the Southwick Green ward, was at the appeal.

He told the Herald: "As a responsible council it is very important that we protect the vitality of shops in Southwick Square, and that is what we are defending.

"Another bookmakers didn't add to that but we would welcome any good-quality retail outlets.

"It's very important for the Square that we keep the unique village feel."

Delighted

Beryl Ferrers-Guy, speaking on behalf of the Southwick Square Traders' Association, also attended the appeal.

She said: "Everyone is delighted, both traders and residents, as it is essential that the Square continues to offer a variety of shops in order to maintain its popularity."

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Shoreham news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@shorehamherald.co.uk

Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.