A conservation board is calling for a long-term strategy for the future of a historic park facing redevelopment.

Sussex Downs Conservation Board has mixed views on plans to refurbish Stanmer House, a Grade I listed building.

The former country home in Stanmer Park, Brighton, would house a public art gallery, two flats and eight houses.

The board has sent a list of recommendations to Brighton and Hove City Council, which owns the property, to be considered before the development goes ahead.

Sussex Downs officer Martin Beaton said: "When taken in isolation, the principle of the proposal is acceptable but the board objects to the housing development on the basis of it being in an isolated location within an historic park and gardens.

"The board is also concerned the proposed extension is not entirely in keeping with the style and character of the existing country house which has a handsome sandstone facade."

Mr Beaton called for a long-term plan for the restoration of the whole park as a public facility rather than ad-hoc development proposals.

The board recommended acceptance of the proposal but objected to the creation of eight houses behind the property and 23 parking spaces.

Mr Beaton said: "Stanmer Park is a registered historic park and the board objects to the application because it is not convinced of the need for the new houses proposed.

"We would also have to be convinced that use of the ground floor rooms of the house as an art gallery would be in the best interests of the general public."

Other recommendations include a restriction on the hours and use of the art gallery, a full landscaping scheme to screen a new toilet block and parking area, a green traffic management plan for the park and a study on the impact on its historic features.

Stanmer House was built in the 18th Century by French architect Nicolas Dubois for Henry Pelham, and is brick-built with a cream coloured facade.

Work has been carried out to prevent the house deteriorating and many of the original features remain.

A council spokeswoman said it hoped the work would go ahead as soon as possible.