MAJOR plans to transform a seafront eyesore which was once a magnet for the rich and famous have been revealed today.

Developers want to build new homes on the site of the Warnes Hotel in Worthing, which once played host to Winston Churchill, Eisenhower, George V and Edward VII.

The building, in Marine Parade, was gutted by fire in 1987 and had to be demolished, leaving only a single corner standing.

Heritage experts and planners have been campaigning for the site to be redeveloped for years as it has fallen into a sad state of disrepair.

They have welcomed the possible development of 79 luxury apartments with garages, which is likely to cost several million pounds and say it will boost the seafront.

Coun Andrew Garrett is chairman of the borough council's economic development and marketing committee and deputy leader of the ruling Conservative group.

He said: "As far as the image of the town is concerned, nothing is more important than its town centre and seafront areas and the perception it gives to people visiting our fine town.

"One of the areas that has been most badly in need of redevelopment is the Warnes Hotel site which looks like one of the remnants from the Blitz.

"A redevelopment of the style and the type proposed would do much to improve this area and start a regeneration of the area to the east of the Dome in general."

Resident Janice Moth, who lives near the seafront, said: "The building has looked awful for years.

"Unfortunately it is in a very prominent place and so people coming to the town for the first time would get a bad impression."

Peter Goldfinch, support services manager in the planning section at Worthing Council, said: "We see this as one of the most important seafront sites on the Sussex coast.

"The council will require an exceptionally high-quality design. The developer is trying to demonstrate to the council that his plans are acceptable and we are doing a widespread public consultation.

"There is no objection in principle to flats. The early development of the site will be most welcome."

Ian Cheal, managing director for developers Worthing-based firm Roffey Builders, said: "This will be an outstanding building at probably the most major site in Worthing at the moment.

"There will be 79 luxury apartments which will improve the character of the area and will be an asset to the town."

The plans and a model of the new homes are available at Worthing Town Hall in Chapel Road and the proposals are likely to be discussed at a meeting of the borough planning committee in March.

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