A community has shown unwavering support for a converted horsebox café as it awaits permanent planning permission.

The Pollinator, which trades from the owner's land in Forthaven, Shoreham, was set up by Louise and Richard Durrant in 2021 after the Covid-19 pandemic took away their main source of income.

The couple were initially given three-year temporary permission to trade at the site, which is now set to end within the next few months. 

However, they have now applied to continue trading permanently.

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Although permission has not yet been given, the community has eagerly shown their support and left dozens of comments on the planning application on the Adur District Council website.

Steve French, from Henfield, said: "Little oasis at the end of the beach.

"Well run and definitely a good amenity for the area."

Another resident, Charlotte Bush from Shoreham, said: "This is such a community asset.

"I love walking down in the morning to grab a cup of tea and see all the friendly faces.

"It really has become a lovely meeting place, and has brought a lot of isolated people together.

"We are quite far out of town near the Fort, so to have a meeting place like this nearby has been great for the community. The area is always being kept spotlessly clean as well."

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Tim Costello, from Chichester, said: "I have used the Pollinator Café at this location ever since it opened.

"I travel from the west of the county to look after my grandson every two weeks. It is a fantastic amenity to the local community.

"Not only does it provide an attraction to this area of Shoreham to visitors like myself, but it acts as an official community hub.

"Many of the people who use it are local to the beach and it provides an opportunity for people who might otherwise be alone to meet and talk.

"I have made many friends here and learnt much from them about the local history of the port and Shoreham Beach. It's unobtrusive, fits in well with its surroundings and provides employment to local people."

Peter Villa, from Lancing, also called the café a "popular meeting place".

He said: "Since it opened, The Pollinator has provided walkers and in some cases their dogs, the opportunity to get a decent cup of coffee, amongst pleasant customers and staff.

"It has become a popular meeting place for people from as far as Storrington to visit regularly. Everyone is made welcome and visiting dogs enjoy the complimentary treats provided.

"The staff also tidy the litter in the car park and surrounding areas enhancing the atmosphere of the area and the Old Fort. It would be a loss of general amenity if the Pollinator were to close."

The café is also supported by the Shoreham National Coastwatch branch.

A final decision on whether to grant permanent permission is set to be made by May 1.