A £1 million church restoration project could come to a stop after planners warned developers not to remove the organ.

Architects overseeing the upgrade of St Paul's Church in Chapel Road, Worthing, want consent to dismantle the organ to make space for an office.

The organ is located on the first floor at the eastern end of the historic church, a Grade II listed building dating back to 1812.

The Worthing Society conservation group said it objected to the application, saying the organ formed an essential part of the interior.

A spokesman for the Ancient Monuments Society said: "We could be persuaded removal is acceptable but we are nervous about agreeing before the instrument has been examined by an expert."

Chris Richardson, for the church, said the organ was taken out of the church in 1963 and changed beyond all recognition before being installed again.

He said: "The collection of miscellaneous equipment almost completely fills the gallery space in a haphazard way and has little aesthetic merit."

Councillors, meeting next Tuesday, have been advised to refuse the application.