Residents are hoping plans to close the Sandrock Inn in Ditchling will be thrown out for a second time.

Developers want to turn the pub into two homes but the move was opposed by villagers who collected more than 100 names on a petition.

Residents believe the pub is one of the last bastions of community life.

There were plans to convert the pub's garage and store into a house, build three cottages and another detached cottage behind the pub.

However, the original application was turned down because there were problems with access to the site and the three cottages were too close to the Meeting House, which is a listed building.

A second application has been submitted but planning officers are waiting for more details from the developers before a decision can be made.

Campaigner Nicky Chapman said: "They have removed the footpath and moved the three cottages due to be next to the Meeting House.

"But it is highly probable it will be rejected on the same grounds as the previous application. The main problem is the access point.

"I spoke with English Heritage and it appears they are not so concerned about the cottages but one of their main concerns is the change of use of the Sandrock, something which they should consider very seriously."

Mrs Chapman, who lives close to the Meeting House, said there were fears emergency services would not be able to gain access or get down Ditchling High Street.

"It looks as though we have won round two. Things are looking fairly hopeful although we don't know whether they will put in a third application.

"We are really keen for people to be aware the Sandrock is still up and running and doing well. It is not a done deal at all."

Peter Barnett, of Lewes District Council, said no decision had been taken on the application yet and he was waiting for the developers to come back and talk to him about it.

He said: "As it stands it is not going to be acceptable. They have only made a few minor alterations and not really addressed the reasons why it was rejected in the first place."

Andrew Pridell, senior partner at agents Clifford Dann, said: "If the people of the village used the pub it would not be closing.

"After the last meeting with the villagers I went down to the White Horse for a drink and half the people complaining about the Sandrock were all drinking there.

"Many alterations have been made to the plans to reflect the wishes and the changes the immediate neighbours would like to see.

"No one likes change and I appreciate that but we have tried to develop a scheme to reflect the area. It is now up to the planners to decide."