A disused toilet block is to be transformed into a flower stall and underground recording studio.

Mick Lowe, 47, of Pavilion Property, hopes to open the shop at Brighton Marina before the end of the month after Brighton and Hove city councillors gave his plans the go-ahead.

Work to convert the Victorian-style gazebo can now begin and musicians could be in the studio within eight weeks after the underground space is soundproofed and renovated.

Mr Lowe met marina staff on Monday to talk through his plans and said the project was going successfully.

He said: "I was extremely pleased to hear the plans were passed by councillors.

"I want to get the flower stall up and running first and then work on the recording studio."

He is still debating the stall's name which could be called Simply Flowers or Seed.

Councillors unanimously passed the plans at a meeting on Wednesday.

They were reassured soundproofing the building would protect residents from the noise and conditions limiting the opening hours were imposed.

Councillor Les Hamilton, chairman of the committee, said: "This application makes interesting use of an unusual site.

"The premises have not been used as a toilet for some time and a new development nearby includes toilet facilities, leaving the building free for a change of use."

Friday, September 2 2005