Worthing fabric shop to be turned into micropub in Tarring

The Eclectic Maker, in Station Parade, Tarring Road, Worthing, will be converted into a drinking establishment after Adur and Worthing Councils approved the plans on Monday.

The venue is expected to be open seven days a week, with a mix of tables and benches inside.

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Tony Button, who submitted the planning application, said: "The very nature and ethos of a micropub limits any negative impact to the local community and residents by limiting opening hours.

"In addition, the culture of a micropub encourages people to sit and converse with one another and as such there will be no music or televised sports during our opening hours.

"We will install sound insulation in the ceiling and sound absorption on the walls and we will discourage people from congregating outside, and provide cigarette disposal away from the premises."

The plans also propose an outdoor enclosed space with seating.

During the planning process, a number of residents around the town showed support for the micropub.

Stephen Jones, who lives nearby, said: "I think that an afternoon and evening hospitality unit will help in the regeneration of this part of Worthing.

"There are a number of micropubs in the town and they have helped in making Worthing an interesting place to visit and live in.

"We have a large number of coffee shops which meet daytime demand, and it would be nice to have an outlet open of an evening, especially just opposite the station. I think the opening of a micropub will be beneficial to the area."

Amy McGlinn, who also lives in the area, said: "I think this could be a really positive thing for the local area.

"There are a couple of micropubs in Worthing that all do very well, are considerate of neighbours, and act as community hubs and hotspots.

"Businesses on the Tarring Road do seem to struggle and it would be much nicer to have these premises being used, especially in this strip where many shops seems to be closed."

Despite the supporting comments, some objections were also raised around the problems of noise and potential antisocial behaviour.

Nigel and Sarah Boult, who own a property in the area, said: "This is a residential area, particularly above the shops. 

"People will congregate outside the premises to smoke and talk, both on the pavement on Station Parade and to the rear of the property in the yard.

"This will create noise and smells at both the front and the rear of the property for residents."

Another resident told the council that there will be "no peace for residents" if the venue is open seven days a week.

The plans state that the proposed opening hours will be from 2pm until 9.30pm on weekdays, noon to 10pm on Saturdays and noon to 8pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

The plans were approved on June 3.