Radical plan for formerLec factory site

Bognor Regis Ltd said the privately owned South Bersted Business Park, or Durban Road estate, would have a better future for residential purposes.

The firms which are based there should be able to move to a purpose-built industrial park on the former Lec site.

Bognor Regis Ltd's idea is for a tripartite agreement between Arun District Council, Sime Darby and a housebuilder to ensure:

n South Bersted Business Park could be designated for residential use;

n The business park's developer provides cash to freeholders to move to the Lec site; and

n Sime Darby submits a business park proposal to take the place of Lec with a mixture of commercial, industrial and office premises available on leasehold and freehold options.

Bognor Regis Ltd believes this approach would secure the future of firms along Durban Road by providing them with modern purpose-built premises.

The switch to the other side of the A29 Shripney Road would also meet key economic regeneration objectives, achieve Arun's objective of a jobs-led solution for a long-established industrial site and expland the amount of land available for housing in South Bersted.

Bognor Regis Ltd's consultant, David Myers, said: "We have brought together an exciting option which meets the economic objectives of regeneration, the requirements of our partner companies on the business park and provides additional low-cost housing land.

"We look forward to our proposal assisting Sime Darby in finalising their development brief for the Lec site."

The option for the Lec land has come after Bognor Regis Ltd's 22 companies '“ employing some 1,200 people '“ rejected Sime Darby's three proposals for developing the land.

They do not believe they reflect the current requirement for businesses around the town and will have a negative impact on the sustainability and future retention of companies.

The alternative option is a response to a recent survey of business park firms. Most said they would move to a new business park.

This was driven by its ageing and rundown appearance which affected their customers' confidence in them and led to high costs of repairs and maintenance.