AN MP has revealed plans to turn his constituency office into a “one-of-a-kind” community space designed to bring “politics to the high street”.

Peter Kyle, MP for Hove, has filed a planning application for change of use to convert his Church Road office into a place for community groups, outreach programmes, and work experience programmes.

The application lodged with Brighton and Hove City Council is turn the building into an MPs constituency office, surgery and community centre from its former use as a retail space, cafe and takeaway.

Mr Kyle revealed earlier this year he planned to fundraise £20,000 a year to meet the costs not met by parliamentary expenses.

The office will host a six day a week MP surgery and drop-in advice centre for residents, along with spaces for work and research experience for students, volunteers and interns.

A business administration apprentice has been appointed under the council’s apprenticeship scheme.

The office is also intended as a free meeting space for community groups and will offer printing and phone facilities.

Mr Kyle said: "The people who know and care most about positive change are the ones living within the communities affected.

“I see my role as MP as working alongside, and often for, these community campaigns.

“I know this isn't the traditional view of an MP which is to come into a community and simply talk at them, that's not my style at all.

“The same goes for my office, I want people to feel that it's part of their community and hopefully a place where some of our problems are solved too.”

The planning application is for change of use for five years.

The change of use from retail to office in Hove town centre is contrary to the council’s local plan.

But the case in the application argues the office would still attract the public maintaining a shop window-esque display and making sure they do not have “dead” shop frontage.

Chris Henry, consistency manager for Mr Kyle, said: "It's definitely a one-of-a-kind style office for an MP. It very much reflects Peter's style - approachable and open, and transparent.

"During the selection to become candidate Peter promised to bring politics to the high street, and now he's an MP he's doing what he can to keep it there."