Plans to convert a prominent town centre building into a church and community hall and seven homes have been recommended for approval.
The proposals, for 25 East Street and 1 and 1A New Road, in Shoreham, have received the nod from Adur District Council planning officers, ahead of a planning committee meeting on April 13.
The scheme would see the re-use of a historic building on the corner of East Street and New Road, which was built as a school in the 1830s and later used as St Mary’s Church Hall.
The development would retain and refurbish the structure to provide five houses, two flats and a church and community centre space with parish offices.
The scheme includes partial demolition to the rear of the building, a replacement roof and new extensions, and the removal of existing shopfronts.
The building is currently home to an antiques shop and a parish office (Image: Google)
The ground floor community space will cover 136 square metres, with doors opening onto East Street.
Four three-bedroom houses will front New Road, while one will be on East Street.
Two flats will also be located above the community centre.
The development has been called in to be considered by the planning committee by Councillor Jeremy Gardner, on account of the “prominent” location and the loss of the current retail units.
Despite the retail loss, planning officers said the units were “small, dated and within a building in a poor and deteriorating state” and the development would result in more accessible and larger community facilities.
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The scheme attracted seven letters of support from residents, including praise for the project’s ground floor improvements.
Gillian Robertson said: “The proposed scheme would breathe new life into the site and, importantly, provide much-needed quality community facilities that are currently unavailable due to the building’s condition.
“These improved facilities would clearly benefit local residents and community groups.”
One objection was submitted, which criticised the proposed houses and said they would be out of keeping with the town centre location.
However, others said the plans were “well thought through” and great sensitivity had been shown as to how the properties would fit in with the area.