Squatters have moved into the golf pavilion near Rottingdean Windmill.

Brighton and Hove City Council is currently in negotiations with firms to take over the lease of the Rottingdean pitch and putt area, which has been without an operator for a year.

Squatters are now understood to have occupied the building. A notice has been put on the door declaring squatting is not illegal as it is a non-residential property.

It warns anyone attempting to enter without the “occupiers” permission “may receive a sentence of six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000”.

An unnamed private donor is prepared to invest at least £25,000 to turn the building into an education hub and wildlife interpretation centre, with discussion expected to take place next week.

A council spokesman said: “We are taking action through due legal process to remove the squatters from this building.

“The site has been marketed and discussions regarding its future use are ongoing.”

The education hub plan was drawn-up after locals rejected a proposal for a Segway court.