A BEACHSIDE restaurant offering “spectacular coastal views” is coming to Worthing promenade after plans received the go ahead.

Nextcolour Ltd is behind the scheme to create a two-storey food and drink destination on the site of a run-down seafront shelter opposite West Buildings.

The contemporary structure, which includes outdoor seating area at ground floor level and a covered external first floor terrace, will become a new premises for Bistrot Pierre.

Those behind the scheme promise their plans will offer “a modern destination restaurant with spectacular views and a landmark pavilion” which will draw thousands of visitors into the town.

After an extensive period of consultation with residents and the wider public, detailed proposals were approved this week.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted these exciting plans for a landmark destination restaurant on the promenade have received the backing of the planning committee.

“This contemporary building really showcases one of the town’s greatest assets, our amazing coastal views, and will draw thousands of people to a stretch of promenade beyond the pier. It is the perfect combination of the traditional offer of our seaside town and bright new modern offer.

“I look forward to seeing the plans progress in the coming months and confident that the operators, who have a great track record in running such venues, will make a big success of it.”

At the planning committee meeting, Nextcolour outlined how its proposal for a high-quality facility would assist with the modernisation and appeal of the seafront by boosting tourism and the wider economic regeneration of the town centre.

The report presented to councillors noted the location is in a highly-sustainable location with excellent public transport links while parking is available on Marine Parade and in nearby town centre multi-storeys.

Papers added there were no noise concerns raised by Environmental Health and, while the location is deemed to be at low risk of flooding, the building will be set on raised structural supports above the existing shingle defences.

Councillor Paul High, Chairman of the Council’s Planning Committee, said: “The committee looked at this proposal in great detail and on reflection agreed the overall benefits to the town, the seafront and to the local community, both socially and economically far outweigh the less than substantial harm resulting from the redevelopment.

“I believe this striking new contemporary building will be a high-quality improvement to the existing facilities along Marine Parade and Worthing’s seafront in general.”