It's an age old dilemma – what to do with an ageing building when its original purpose is no longer served.

Can it be retained and adapted? Or will doing so ultimately change the building beyond all recognition and remove the justification for its retention.

Cities are always in a state of flux and many unusual and seemingly inflexible buildings have found new leases of life with clever adaptions.

One only has to think of the many old churches which find new life as bars, houses and even gymnasiums.

The Dubarry perfume factory in Hove has survived the transition remarkably well, keeping its beautiful and eye-catching facade intact.

The changes now being proposed for a new storey to be added to the building are not overly radical but it’s clear that residents cherish this building and will fiercely oppose anything they see as threatening the building as they remember it.