Lifeboat station scheme approved

The RNLI launched a £1m appeal last year to build the new station

A £1m project to build a new lifeboat station in West Sussex has been given the go-ahead by the government.

Adur council had to apply to the government to de-register the land in Shoreham as a village green, so the RNLI could build on it.

The council said Environment Secretary Hilary Benn approved the move to de-register Kingston Beach on Monday.

Officers from the planning authority have chosen open land at Williams Road in the town for the new village green.

Adur council leader Neil Parkin said it was "great news all round".

He added: "Now the RNLI can go ahead and build their boathouse, and residents at Williams Road will have their village green."

Viewing platform

The current Shoreham boathouse, which was built in 1933, is now too small and gets flooded in high tide.

The new lifeboat station will have a larger boat hall, a crew training room, proper drying and crew changing facilities, and a viewing platform for the public.

Last year, the RNLI launched a £1m appeal to build the new lifeboat station.

The charity has had a presence at Shoreham Harbour since 1865.

RNLI appeal manager Tracey Harris said it was hoped the new building would last for at least the next 50 years.