Residents are furious that developers are discussing plans to convert a popular village pub into two houses.

When Stephen Woodward bought the Sandrock Inn in Ditchling two months ago, he said he had no plans to close the pub.

Now agents Clifford Dann of Albion Street, Lewes, have called a meeting with residents today to discuss proposals for up to eight homes on land by the Sandrock Inn.

Although no scheme has been finalised, residents have been asked what they think of plans to convert the Sandrock into homes.

Tom Dusty, spokesman for Ditchling Preservation Society, said plans for seven or eight cottages would be discussed. He said plans to convert the pub into two homes were also being considered.

Mr Dusty said: "It would be sad if it closed. We would prefer not to see it go.

"However, if it is inevitable, our main concern is to retain the building, which is a key feature.

"We want more homes for younger people who will revitalise the village.

"We do not want executive homes."

Andrew Pridell, of Clifford Dann, said: "We are sharing the initial thoughts on a scheme with some of the residents and the preservation society."

He said an application would be submitted to Lewes District Council only after the agents had heard the views of residents.

The Argus reported in October how many residents feared village life was under threat because of the number of shops which had closed during the past five years.

They were worried the village was being targeted by developers wanting to build expensive executive houses.

Residents said Ditchling was becoming ever more desirable to estate agents wanting to cash in on the picturesque surroundings.

For villagers, losing the pub would mean losing a bastion of village life.

Top Of The Pops presenter Jamie Theakston, who grew up in Ditchling, recently spent £500,000 on a manor near his parents' home in the village but many young people cannot afford rising house prices.

Michael Stratford, a company director who has lived in the High Street for more than 20 years, is among those worried about Ditchling losing its charm.

When the Sandrock was sold, Mr Stratford said: "If the pub closed, it would be disastrous. It's the heart of the community."

After learning of the new proposals, he said: "It is a prime example of the demise of village life which people living outside the village take advantage of."

Mr Woodward was unavailable for comment.