A PLAN to build flats on a pub beer garden has received more than 100 objections from local residents.

On March 9, a planning application was submitted by Inn Brighton Properties Ltd to erect a three-storey building containing three two bedroom flats on what the application states is the “former beer garden of The Signalman public house”.

The reasons for objections cited by residents living near The Signalman in Ditchling Rise, Brighton, include concerns about being overlooked by the proposed development, loss of light and the loss of a rare community space in the area.

Ditchling Rise resident Anna Ridgewell, 39, said: “This would obviously be a huge loss to the area, with the development being out of character in comparison with its surroundings and not to mention it meaning the loss of a much valued open space.

“What makes this a particularly thoughtless scheme is that the plans propose to attach the new block to the end of a house in Shaftesbury Road, which has been lived in for over 50 years by an elderly lady.

“It would turn her end of terrace house into a mid terrace house, with all of the additional noise on every level that the development would bring.

“There is large opposition to this scheme locally, with word spreading through a grassroots movement.

“Apparently no signs have been posted on lampposts in the usual way, hence many people are unaware that it is actually being planned.”

Residents said there was already limited parking due to restrictions caused by the entrance to London Road Station, opposite the pub.

Delphine Douglas, 42, of Springfield Road, said the plans would ruin a “much-loved communal space” she has been enjoying for years

The Signalman issued a statement online stating: “the development of the beer garden is not our decision, it is that of our landlord”.

Inn Brighton Properties Ltd was not available to comment on the planning application.

The application is due to be decided by Brighton and Hove City Council on May 22.