A planning application has been made to convert a historic pub into a shop and housing.

The Seven Sisters pub, which closed down on New Year’s Eve in 2021, could be turned into a convenience shop after plans were validated on Thursday, October 13.

The plans would also see the top floor of the pub converted into four maisonettes, as well as four other homes on the grounds.

Seb Kelly, developer for the proposed site, said: “It’s a landmark building and the history was absolutely key in the development.

“We love the building and we love the area, there’s amazing views to the sea and it’s a great location.

“We are losing a pub, we can’t dress that up but it will be replaced with another community asset.”

The Argus: The inside of the pub which is set to be a convenience storeThe inside of the pub which is set to be a convenience store

The pub in Alfriston Road, Seaford, was originally built in the 1930s but closed after it was earmarked to be used for housing in the Seaford neighbourhood plan in 2016.

Charlotte Copping, the previous landlady for The Seven Sisters, spoke shortly after the closure of how she was “worn down” by putting her heart and soul into the pub which had been particularly affected by closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Charlotte added that while she had “tried everything” to make her dream a success the pub was eventually sold off.

Efforts to save the pub included appearing at council meetings to try to get the building removed from the neighbourhood plan as well as seeking to have the historic building listed.

The new development would also include a single-storey rear extension for storing supplies for the new convenience store as well as including parking spaces for customers, housing residents and their guests.

Rather than knocking down the historic pub, Mr Kelly stressed that millions will be pumped into the project to renovate the building and other properties will be added to the surrounding land.

Lewes District Council are yet to make a decision on the planning application, which will be either accepted or rejected at a later date.