Plans to turn a Grade II listed care home for blind ex-servicemen into luxury flats have been approved.

The former St Dunstan’s building, in Ovingdean, will be transformed into 64 new homes alongside a cinema, gym and swimming pool – for residents’ use only.

Plans, put forward by developer James Taylor Homes Group, have been approved by the South Downs National Park Authority, subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure a substantial financial contribution for affordable housing in the national park.

The national park authority’s policy is that developers proposing to build more than 11 homes should ensure half of them are classed as “affordable”.

Built in 1938, in a small area of open downland, St Dunstan’s used to be used as a rehabilitation centre for Blind Veterans UK – commanding stunning sea views.

The Argus: St Dunstan's will become 64 'luxury' apartments St Dunstan's will become 64 'luxury' apartments

More recently, it has been used to provide respite care for older veterans, but due to a decline in the number of veterans needing the facility, the charity is relocating to a smaller site in Rustington.

It will close its doors for good next month.

Announcing the move back in 2021, Major General Nick Caplin, chief executive of the Blind Veterans’ charity, said: “We are very excited to be making the short trip along the Sussex coast and moving to our new Rustington home.

“Moving to this new building will mean we can offer different services, that far better suit their needs and the needs of future blind veterans.”

In the plans for 64 dwellings, there will be 13 one-bedroom apartments, 19 two-bedroom, 31 three-bedroom and one with four bedrooms.

The Grade II listed chapel at the site will be retained.

A total of 188 bike parking spaces will be provided in a new cycle storage building to the front of the main building.

The SDNPA said carbon emissions will be almost halved by internal insulation improvements, upgrading to an electric heating and hot water system and installing solar panels.

The Argus: Stella New said the building deserves a 'high-quality, bespoke approach'Stella New said the building deserves a 'high-quality, bespoke approach' (Image: SDNPA)

Stella New, development management lead at the SDNPA, said: “This is such a unique listed building in a prominent coastal location that it really deserves a high-quality, bespoke approach.

“The proposal includes a number of design, heritage, landscape and ecological enhancements that will provide amenity, biodiversity and sustainable construction benefits.”