Last year, developers submitted plans for a seven-storey block of 49 flats and retail units on the corner of Waterloo Square and The Esplanade. Although there was some support to redevelop the empty plots of land, several objectors raised concerns about the height and scale of the proposed building. Developers have now come back with revised plans. These include a reduction in the height of the scheme with the building split into two separate blocks, parking at street level replacing spaces in the basement and amendments to the design. The number of flats has been reduced from 49 to 35, while there are now three retail units. Residents now have an opportunity to have a say on the revisions before Arun District Council makes a decision on the planning application. Several comments have already been received. One objector wrote: “While the revised plans are welcome, several of the previous objections remain. “The ‘shed’ on the roof is completely out of character with the surrounding area. There is even less parking provision than the previous version. “The overall height is now more in keeping and the separation of the two buildings is most welcome.” But another resident was more harsh with their criticism, suggesting the building was still too high and not in keeping with the surrounding area. They added: “It does not complement the entrance to the old town conservation area and has no finesse.” Last year the dilapidated and empty 2-4 Waterloo Square was demolished to make way for the proposed redevelopment. The neighbouring plot, facing the seafront, is also currently empty following the serious fire at the Beach Hotel Restaurant in November 2016. The revisions come after highly critical comments from the council’s design review of the application. Concerns were raised about the proposed height of the new block being much taller than other surrounding buildings in Waterloo Square and the review questioned how the scheme would fit into the conservation area as designed. To comment on the revised application visit www.arun.gov.uk/weekly-lists using code BR/282/19/PL. Consultation closes on Thursday May 7. A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton: Thank you for reading this story on our website. But I also have an urgent plea to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy. Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves. As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: “Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role.” But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days. In addition, please write to your MP urging the Government to provide some additional financial support for local newspapers and their websites like this one and ensuring that supermarkets continue to stock them. I cannot stress enough how important such an intervention would be. We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.