Conservation watchdogs have condemned new plans to remove an historic organ casing from a listed church which is being renovated.

Worthing Society chairman Robert Elleray urged Worthing planners to reject an application by St Paul's Church in Chapel Road, which says the space is earmarked for an administration area.

Mr Elleray said: "It is an early 19th Century organ case in the baroque style and is an essential part of the interior furnishing of what is a Grade II* listed building.

"We strongly object to this and want it thrown out. The important thing is it should remain in situ. Its removal would denude that part of the interior."

Workmen have already demolished the church hall to make way for a new building reflecting the architecture of the 1812 church.

They are now restoring the roof and converting the interior of the church into a community centre at a cost of almost £1 million.

The scheme includes a coffee shop and restaurant, kitchen, rooms for community activities and a small chapel.

James Appleton, the borough council's development control manager, said a previous bid to have the organ casing removed was deleted amid concerns from conservationists.

The application has now been resubmitted, along with a statement from architect Chris Richardson, part of which reads: "There has been much discussion about alterations and details in connection with the interior.

"While the proposed uses are many, the principal use of the conversion being the community cafe, there is a need for flexibility and as many spaces as possible to enable the project team to provide areas for different functions.

"At present, the upper balconies are not included within the proposals.

A future use for these has not been established as English Heritage has requested the existing box pews are left in their present position.

"However, the gallery over the proposed worship area, currently occupied by the workings of the organ, is seen as useable as more functional space."

The organ originally installed was purchased second-hand and heard for the first time at the consecration of the chapel on September 18, 1812.

It was rebuilt in 1907 but finally broke down in 1962, when it was taken away, given an overhaul and put back a year later, much altered.

At this time there were also alterations to the casework, which the Worthing Society is trying to save.

Mr Richardson said: "If the building was to continue as a church, it would be wholly appropriate to refurbish and maintain the organ.

"However, under the circumstances, the upkeep of the organ is more likely to be a burden on the organisation aiming to run the centre successfully and commercially and, accordingly, its retention is questionable.

"History has shown the organ has already been resited on two occasions since the chapel was built. Visitors to the building do not see the actual workings of the organ.

"The collection of pipes, boxing and miscellaneous equipment almost completely fills the gallery space in a haphazard way and has little aesthetic merit to the untrained eye.

"The obvious benefit in the removal of the organ is additional space, presently earmarked for the administrator's office.

"It may now have come to a time when the organ is removed completely."