Turning IKEA pull-out into an opportunity

There’s the chance to rethink local opportunities following IKEA’s welcome decision to pull out of the ‘superstore’ site on Shoreham Airport, near Lancing south of the A27.

CPRE Sussex previously objected to the proposed superstore as inappropriate, given the likely vehicle impact on the A27.

Planning consent for the site was granted for commercial development. New proposals will require further planning scrutiny.  In addition, the planned new 3-arm roundabout replacing the old traffic light junction is now not fit-for-purpose as designed. A rethink might save a lot of public money and avoid the delays that construction would impose on local residents and businesses.

Since planning consent was granted, despite considerable local opposition, much has changed, including Brexit, Covid and recognition of the urgency of responding to the climate emergency.  Building standards are changing and vehicle journeys need to be cut. IKEA’s decision to pull out now offers the chance for a major rethink of current plans for Shoreham Airport.

CPRE Sussex looks to Adur Council to work with the community and any new site owners to find a better use for this important site. Concerns about climate change, biodiversity and the quality of the environment in which we live must factor in decisions about the future of this site.