CONTROVERSIAL plans to construct a new Ikea superstore and 600 homes in Lancing have been approved.

Five councillors voted to approve the planning application and grant planning permission. Three voted against.

The meeting took place on Wednesday evening at Robert Woodard Academy, in Upper Boundstone Lane, Lancing.

The proposal from New Monks Farm Development also includes the provision of a new roundabout on the A27, a country park, land for a school and a community hub.

In addition, it would also see the relocation and expansion of the Withy Patch Gypsy and Traveller site.

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "We are pleased it's been supported by the Adur members. It will bring more jobs and homes and it's safeguarding the Shoreham Airport.

"It's for the future of Lancing, Adur and for the Brighton city region. It's a win for the whole of the area."

But Tim Farlam, estate and development manager of Ikea, said: “Ikea is a company that puts employees at the heart of the business.

“It provides employees skills in development. It has invested £11 million to paying a living wage to all its workers.

“There are hundreds of full-time and part-time roles available and recruitment is for locals.

“It’s a career progression from team leader to senior management. There are pension, bonus schemes and staff awards.”

Resident Colin Hammond supported the application. He said: “It’s easy to object to the appearance and size of the Ikea store.

“What I fear is that this sways the general opinion of the debate. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have a country park next to the 600 homes. We are all deciding for the future of youngsters growing up in Lancing. Think of the youth of the village.

“Lancing is dying on its feet.”

Councillor Brian Boggs praised Brighton and Hove Albion’s strong commitment to the community and added: “Lancing is their second home and I believe it is as such.”

But Councillor Lee Cowen said: “It has been demonstrated that if Ikea gets its projected number of visitors, there won’t be enough car park spaces.

“The new Exeter Ikea store struggles for parking spaces and that’s a smaller store with a smaller catchment and better infrastucture.”

Ukip Councillor Liz Haywood representing Mash Barn, added: “The huge increase in traffic will affect the communities of Withy Patch. The impact of the developments are grave. There will be an increase in drainage problems, toxic gases and a burden on our infrastructure.”

In a crucial development on Tuesday Lancing College withdrew its objections to the plans.

The school and the developer signed a deal meaning they will work together to secure an access to the college and Coombes Road from the new junction being built as part of the development.

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: “The college has always been concerned that the closure of the Sussex Pad Junction, which is a requirement of Highways England as part of the development proposals for both New Monks Farm and the Airport, would inconvenience parents and students coming to the college.

“We are very pleased to have been able to find a way to work together to secure an access from the new roundabout on our development which will resolve this issue and secure the long-term future of the college.”

Dominic Oliver, headmaster at Lancing College, said: “We have been working with New Monks Farm since it is important for us that our students and parents and people using the college are not inconvenienced by these proposals. We are pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement and will work together to secure the new access.”