Plans submitted at site of burned-down Harvester

The fire happened in August 2023

Plans have been submitted for a 50-bed hotel and restaurant on the site of a Harvester which burned down in West Sussex.

The two-storey restaurant in Coastguard Road, Littlehampton, was ravaged by a blaze in August 2023 and demolition was completed in November 2023.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said the fire started in the kitchen of the 222-seat Harvester and quickly spread to the roof, with 12 fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms tackling the blaze at its peak.

A decision is due on the planning application, which has been submitted by Boyer on behalf of Harvester operators Mitchells and Butlers, by 3 September.

The hotel and restaurant would be owned and managed by Innkeeper's Collection, which operates Toby Carvery, Miller & Carter Steakhouse and All Bar One.

Comments can be made on the plans until 30 July

Concerns had been raised about parking and the look of the site, but Boyer said there would be sufficient parking to accommodate visitors and staff, and the site was "perfectly located to encourage the use of sustainable transport methods".

The company said the project would also give the site a "fresh, modern look that integrates seamlessly into the ongoing regeneration efforts in the area generally".

Comments can be made on the application until 30 July.