A proposal to repurpose a former educational establishment and soup kitchen as office space has been turned down.

A request to alter how Provident House could be used was filed, seeking permission for the Victorian structure on Grafton Road in Worthing to function under various commercial, business and service categories.

Constructed approximately in 1892 by the Worthing Provident Relief Society as a charitable feeding establishment, the structure is recognised for its extensive tradition of serving the local community.

The premises most recently housed a school that ceased operations in 2020 and has stood vacant since that time.

The individual behind the application maintained that running the property as an educational venue was no longer practical owing to insufficient interest from potential operators.

The borough council dismissed the scheme, ruling that the submission failed to present sufficient justification for eliminating a community asset.

The premises had been advertised for sale the previous February and attracted interest from a childcare provider and a legal firm.

The landlord accepted the bid from the solicitor, though the application gave no indication as to why the nursery proposal was set aside.

Council members determined that the childcare option could have provided an alternative community service and that no satisfactory reasoning was supplied for its rejection.

Given the absence of compelling justification for removing a community facility, the council ruled that the scheme would result in unacceptable damage to the range of suitable community premises available within the borough.

Provident House holds local heritage status, features a blue plaque acknowledging its historical importance, and sits within the Chapel Road Conservation Area.