Former Royal British Legion building in Hassocks could be turned into six new homes

Workspace11 Ltd has applied to Mid Sussex District Council, via agent Just Property Planning, to change the use of the vacant social club (Class F2) on Woodsland Road.

The proposal is to change it to ‘six residential units (use Class C3), with a first floor extension proposed above the existing ground floor addition to the front of the building, together with the installation of new windows, roof lights, solar panels and heat pumps and a bin and cycle store’.

People can view the application documents at pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications using reference DM/26/0596.

The design and access statement (DAS) said Club RBL is a ‘detached part one storey, part two storey purpose built social club comprising of bars, seating area, snooker hall and parking areas’.

It said: “No part of the building is of any architectural merit and it detracts visually from the otherwise attractive streetscape of Woodsland Road.”

The DAS said the proposals ‘repurpose as much of the existing fabric of the building as possible’ and said they would improve accessibility to the building and site. It said: “The provision of ASHPs (air source heat pumps) and photovoltaic panels also seek to maximise energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.”

The DAS’s conclusion said: “The proposed development represents an appropriate and sustainable reuse of a vacant and underutilised building within an established residential area. The scheme has been carefully designed to remain largely consistent with the previously approved consent, respond positively to the surrounding context, and safeguard neighbouring amenity. It provides high quality residential accommodation, improves accessibility, and incorporates measures to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency.”