It was originally constructed to become a Thai Elephant restaurant and conference centre, but building work has now stopped on the structure.

Former Lancing parish councillor, Jaynie Sykes-Strudwick, told the Herald she had been partly responsible for stopping the building work.

She said: "I started the ball rolling, I took the pictures showing that it had gone over its planning condition specifications – it's too high and too wide.

"It's just an eyesore. It is right on the skyline and it ruins the look of Lancing seafront."

Colin Hunt, Lancing Parish Council clerk, said: "There have been accusations that the footprint is bigger than what was on the plans.

"Our main concern is that the water supply we had down there for the beach hut owners, and various people to water the plants along the beach, has been removed.

"Unfortunately, the developer has encroached on the beach with his fencing.

"We're hoping to reinstate a supply down there as soon as we can."

A spokeswoman for Adur District Council, which granted planning permission for the building, said: "As far as we're concerned it's no bigger than the planning application, but apparently is now for sale."

The Herald has also tried repeatedly to contact the architect and the owner of the structure and neither have been available for comment.


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