Plans revealed to convert former Bexhill church building into new homes
Proposals have been put forward to convert a former church building in Bexhill into new homes.
The disused presbytery, adjacent to the Grade II listed St Mary Magdalene Church in Sea Road, would be redeveloped into eight residential units if the plans receive approval.
The developer has submitted an application to Rother District Council.
A planning statement by AVF Planning and Design Ltd, on behalf of the applicant, said: “St Mary Magdalene is situated in a prominent location on the junction of Sea Road and Magdalene Road.
“The site comprises three distinct buildings: St Mary Magdalene Church which is listed Grade II; the presbytery; and the school/hall adjoining St Mary Magdalene which is Grade II listed.
“The presbytery is not a listed building; however, it is within the curtilage of the hall and church.
“The proposed development has been refined following pre-application feedback and now comprises conversion of the existing presbytery into seven unrestricted residential units, and erection of a sensitively designed new dwelling.”
The statement added the scheme would include one three-bedroom maisonette, one one-bedroom flat, five two-bedroom flats, and a three-bedroom detached house.
It said: “The units within the existing presbytery have been designed to utilise as much of the existing fabric as possible and ensure that the conversion can take place within the existing built form. The main increase in built form would arise from the creation of a second-floor unit extending above the existing flat roof and partially into the main pitched roof of the building.”
The statement adds that the scheme will deliver 'much-needed new homes in a community where people wish to live'.
The presbytery along with the hall were put forward for sale in 2023, as the diocese determined that the cost of repairs to the building, estimated at £500,000, were too expensive, the planning statement adds.
A heritage statement accompanying the application said the existing building was in 'very poor condition' and would require 'extensive internal and external repairs'.
A presbytery is a residence where a priest associated with the church historically lived.
The application can be viewed online via the planning section of the Rother District Council website at www.rother.gov.uk/planning by searching under the reference number RR/2026/0632.