A listed nineteenth century property damaged by squatters will be converted into flats.

Tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused by the group before they were kicked out of second-floor premises in Batholomews, Brighton, in July.

This included painted walls saying “die landlord scum”.

Now its owners Baron Homes Corporation has received permission to convert the upper floors of the building, as well as the adjoining property, into flats.

The decision was granted by the national Planning Inspectorate after an initial plan was rejected by Brighton and Hove City Council in December.

The inspector said: “It is not realistic to suppose the building could be restored to its original use as a townhouse.

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