Iconic 1930s building in South Downs to become apartments
August 16, 2023
An iconic Grade 2-listed building is being retained to provide 64 new homes and a number of ecological improvements.
Plans for the former St Dunstan’s building, north of Marine Drive and to the west of Rottingdean, have been approved by the National Park Authority, subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure a substantial financial contribution for affordable housing in the National Park.
The huge property was constructed in 1938 in a small area of open downland as a rehabilitation centre for Blind Veterans – commanding some of the best sea views in the south.
More recently, it has been used to provide respite care for older veterans, but due to a decline in the number of veterans requiring the facility, the charity is relocating to a smaller premises in Rustington.
The plans by James Taylor Homes Group for the 4.75-hectare site include 64 market dwelling homes, as well as a new gym and swimming pool. The dwellings will comprise 13 one-bedroom apartments, 19 two-bedroom, 31 three-bedroom and one with four bedrooms.
The Grade-2 listed chapel at the site will be retained.
A total of 188 cycle parking spaces will be provided in a new cycle storage building to the front of the main building.
Carbon emissions will be almost halved via internal insulation improvements to the existing building, upgrading to an electric heating and hot water system, and the installation of solar panels.
Stella New, Development Management Lead, said: “This is such a unique listed building in a prominent coastal location that it really deserves a high-quality, bespoke approach.
“The proposal includes a number of design, heritage, landscape and ecological enhancements that will provide amenity, biodiversity and sustainable construction benefits.”