A Grade II listed farmhouse may be converted as part of ambitious plans for a 93-bed youth hostel in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The building, at Itford Farm, Beddingham, is to be restored to its original state and converted inside to make room for 16 beds and self-catering facilities.

The historic farmhouse, situated off the A26 Newhaven-to-Beddingham road, has been empty for some time. Proposals to restore it have been welcomed by the Sussex Downs Conservation Board.

A traditional flint barn, granary and stable on the site would be converted to provide a refectory, resource centre and a dormitory to sleep ten people.

Modern farm buildings on the site would be demolished to make way for a new building to house an extra 64 beds, an interpretation centre, educational facilities and auxiliary buildings.

The project would also include several suites for disabled visitors and a ten-pitch campsite.

Other changes would include the creation of a nature conservation area and a nature trail with new ponds, reedbeds, meadows, wetland and other wildlife habitats in what is now open farmland.

The project has been put to Lewes District Council for planning approval by the Greenbank Trust, set up to channel money from landfill taxes into environmental and community schemes. If planning permission is granted, the finished hostel would be managed by the Youth Hostel Association (YHA).

According to the Greenbank Trust, Itford farm would be an ideal location for a youth hostel as it has good transport links and direct access to the countryside.

It is close to the South Downs Way providing a perfect stop-over point for walkers.

There is a lack of youth hostel places in the Sussex Downs compared to places like the Peak District and the Lake District.

The YHA said the Itford Farm project would be an important part of its strategy for the proposed South Downs national park which would encompass Beddingham.

Glynde and Beddingham Parish Council, East Sussex County Council, the Ramblers Association and the Society of Sussex Downsmen have also pledged support for the project.

Lewes District Council's northern area planning committee is expected to approve the plans at a meeting tomorrow.

Arthur Hayward, of the YHA, said Sussex had few hostel beds in comparison to other tourist areas like the Peak District.

He said: "This is a perfect location because it crosses the South Downs Way and is near to a railway station.

"YHA is trying to develop ways of creating car-free holidays and Itford Farm will be a major part of that.

"It will be big enough for us to provide accommodation for different groups at the same time and will be a great way of opening the Sussex countryside to increased tourism."

Mr Hayward said if the plans were passed it would help redress the balance of youth hostel accommodation in the country.

There are only six youth hostels with 320 beds in Sussex compared to the Peak District which has 20 hostels and the Lake District which has 25.