Plans have been put forward to convert a former pub into a kitchen and bathroom showroom.

The submission has been made to Arun District Council requesting consent to redevelop the ground level of The Royal Oak Inn in Lagness, which lies between Chichester and Bognor Regis, for the proposed retail space.

The historic mock-Tudor property on Pagham Road ceased trading as a licensed premises in January of the year before.

The person behind the application plans to use the space for exhibiting products and meeting with clients, employing roughly ten staff members.

The business would operate predominantly on a pre-booked basis, though walk-in customers would also be accommodated from time to time.

A planning statement included with the submission described the premises as currently presenting a neglected and unused appearance, and not contributing positively in its current state. The statement indicated that the proposal seeks to bring the ground floor back into productive, managed daytime usage with a smaller operational footprint.

The change of use would affect only the ground floor of the building, while a flat on the upper level would not be affected by the plans.

No building work on the outside is envisioned, apart from renewing the current signage.

The planning papers argue that the showroom would create fewer disturbances for nearby householders than the former tavern did, pointing to the lack of evening trading, performances, or beer garden facilities.

The proposed trading times for the showroom would be 8am until 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am until 4pm on Saturdays.

A decision on the submission is anticipated by May 26.