A developer is hoping it’s fourth time lucky in converting a disused family pub into housing.

Hove-based developer Tim Martin has made a fourth bid to convert a Woodingdean pub site in a recently submitted application that is highly critical of councillors’ “flawed” decision to refuse permission for a similar proposal less than two months ago.

But a local councillor has warned the plans will face even more opposition this time around as residents become aware of the proposals.

Tim Martin Interiors Ltd has applied to convert the former Toby Inn, in Cowley Drive, Brighton, into 16 short-let rooms and two short-let studios.

The site closed as an everyday pub in 2006 but has been open sporadically for functions and events for the past five years.

The application’s agent, Josie Lawrence, said at the last planning committee that the rooms might be let to “students during the summer, casual workers, construction workers and individuals who had split from relationships”.

Mr Martin first applied to convert the site in September last year which was refused followed by two further unsuccessful applications submitted in February and June this year.

Opposition raised against the scheme at August’s planning committee complained that there was not a need for hostel accommodation in Woodingdean, raised concerns about possible anti-social behaviour and suggested that the site would be better used for housing.

In Mr Martin’s application he says that after further consultation with Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning officers, the reasons for the first two previous refusals were addressed in the third application but the planning committee refused planning consent against the recommendation of their officers.

Mr Martin claims that the committee’s interpretation of planning policy was “flawed” and the reasons for refusal could not be “justified” for these reasons.

Woodingdean Councillor Dee Simson said that some changes had been made to the most recent application but the fundamental reasons for refusal had still not been addressed.

She said: “There was a clear decision at the last planning committee.

“They have never tried to use it as a community facility in any shape or form.

“Knowing the strength of feeling from residents in the community from the previous application, I am sure they will be extremely concerned that the applicant has put in a very similar application.

“Since the decision I have been contacted by a lot of people who were unaware but have since become aware and have very strong concerns.”

A decision on the latest plans is expected in December.