The future of an historic tavern once used by King William IV could be decided next week.

Developer Weatherstone Properties Group plans to knock down the derelict Sea House pub in Brighton and replace it with a modern bar and flats.

Last month their application was deferred by Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee for architects to study the designs.

It is due to go before the committee again on Wednesday.

If the design, by architects Turner Associates, gets the go-ahead, the new white and blue, five-storey building will be one of the most modern in Middle Street.

It is almost two decades since time was called at the Sea House pub.

Believed to be one of the oldest inns in Brighton, One Middle Street was originally a small tavern called The Ship In Distress.

It was used by fishermen and stood at the cliff edge until the King's Road was built in 1822.

At one time its cellars were used as dungeons and King William IV visited Nelson's widow, the Duchess of Bronte, there in 1830.

Councillor Averil Older, a member of the planning committee, said the application had been deferred so the architects' panel could study the designs.

She expressed reservations over the plans but said she was glad the building would not be left derelict any longer.

John Turner, owner of Turner Associates, hopes to get the green light so building can start in three to five months.

Friday May 14, 2004