A “dilapidated” pharmacy will be demolished to make way for flats and a shop.

Brighton and Hove City Council has approved the scheme to knock down the Lloyds chemist in West Street, Rottingdean, and redevelop the site with three apartments and retail space.

Two two-bed flats will be on the upper floors and the third, situated on the ground floor, will be one-bed.

Lewis and Co Planning, on behalf of applicants Wetton Cleaning Services Retirement Benefit Scheme, said the new building will be more in keeping with neighbouring properties and that Lloyds can return and use the new retail space once built should it wish to.

The Argus: Lloyds Pharmacy in Rottingdean will be demolished“The building and forecourt parking area currently detract from the setting of the Rottingdean Conservation Area and the proposed scheme provides an opportunity to reinstate the historical street layout with a more sympathetic design, whilst providing much-needed residential accommodation,” the company said in its planning statement.

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“The proposed retail space would allow the current tenant (Lloyds Pharmacy) to continue to operate from the location should they wish to do so.

“The existing ground floor space has become dilapidated and no longer meets modern retail requirements.

“In addition, the majority of the current shop windows are blocked up with signage and do not therefore provide an active frontage.

“The proposed development will include a replacement retail unit with a shopfront more sympathetic in appearance for the historical setting.

“Moreover, the frontage would be positioned immediately adjacent to the street and would therefore provide a greater level of retail presence and activity.”

A number of residents objected to the plans, with concerns raised about the design of the building and additional traffic.

“Overall it is of poor design and appearance," said one objector.

"As a key building entering Rottingdean, it will create a very poor impression, lacking in any positive design features.”

While one commenter spoke of their support of the plan.

“It provides much-needed housing in the village,”

“To be able to build three houses in the centre of Rottingdean is great. That they are very near the bus stops means that the residents will easily be able to use public transport.

“It is a huge improvement on an ugly building that people see as they arrive in Rottingdean.”