Plans to demolish a derelict place of worship in a "run down" area and replace it with flats and commercial space have been refused.

PLK Investments Ltd wanted to transform the site made up of Gospel Hall and adjoining 2 Bedford Road in Worthing.

This would have seen the current buildings demolished and replaced with a part four and part five-storey building comprising commercial and community units at ground floor and nine flats above.

Of the nine flats, five were planned to be two-bedroom flats and four three-bedroom flats.

Worthing Borough Council has now rejected the plans.

Reasons for refusal included that the development could cause an “unacceptable level of overlooking and loss of privacy for neighbouring residential occupiers” and raised concerns about the loss of light.

“Insufficient evidence has been provided to enable the local planning authority to adequately assess the impact of the proposal on the neighbouring residents in terms of loss of daylight, loss of sunlight and overshadowing of amenity spaces,” said Gary Peck, planning services manager.

The plans for the hall, which was built in the 19th century, garnered much support from residents who wanted to see the area "rejuvenated".

Naomi Dashwood-Quick, of Ham Road, Worthing, said: "The area is currently run down and is and is attracting undesirables, and doesn't feel safe. Not only will renovating this area improve this by preventing them from hanging out, but it will also provide much-needed living accommodation in Worthing which is very badly needed.

"I wholeheartedly support anything that improves our town."

Kaj Harrison, of Lansdowne Road, Worthing, also supported the scheme.

"It would be great to rejuvenate Bedford row, it's a beautiful road and I believe this development would add to the surrounding area and add more needed accommodation without ruining more green areas," he said.

Jason Coomber, of Southfield Road, Worthing, said the scheme was a "fantastic use of space".

"Worthing needs as much housing as possible to help deal with the current housing crisis," he said.

"It is also good to see that Worthing will have a bright new community space, as most spaces in Worthing are underfunded and in poor condition."

Richard John, of Royal Arcade, Worthing, said he often sees drug dealing happen in the area.

"This building has been empty for a long time," he said.

"It encourages drug users and alcoholics to use the area. This I have seen on many occasions."

Although The Worthing Society feared the development would cause damage to neighbouring listed buildings and described the design as "bland and over-dominant".

Their concerns were echoed by The Victorian Society which also objected.

"Although the Gospel Hall and no.2 Bedford Row are not included on the salutatory list they are positive contributors to the historic and aesthetic value of the conservation area,"said The Worthing Society.

"The tall, elegant south-facing elevation of Grade II listed no.3 Bedford Row and its visual significance to the beginning of the terrace will be permanently obscured.

"There are further concerns that the demolition process could cause further unacceptable damage to no.3 Bedford Row.

"Although the historic Gospel Hall has become dilapidated, that should not be a ‘green light’ for demolition. A sensitive restoration with potential for conversion to a dwelling or community building should be possible."