Rustington Pub Closes with Plans for Retirement Housing

The Windmill Inn, a family-run pub in Rustington, has closed its doors permanently, with proposals to convert the site into retirement accommodation now under consideration.

The pub, located on Mill Lane, hosted a farewell event on Saturday, 14th September, before shutting down operations the following day.

The decision to close comes in the wake of increasing business overheads and a fire that caused significant damage to the premises in August. The owners expressed their gratitude to patrons via social media, stating, “It’s been an emotional one,” while acknowledging the closure as a difficult but necessary step. The fire, which occurred a month prior to the pub’s closure, had made it challenging for the business to continue trading.

A planning application has been submitted to Arun District Council by Churchill Living Ltd to redevelop the site into retirement living accommodation. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing pub and the construction of 28 retirement apartments and three cottages. The public can submit comments on the plans until 26th September, with the council expected to make a decision by 19th November.