Work could start on the facility within weeks.

Planning permission has been granted for an £18,000 redevelopment, retaining the bus shelter.

Under the plans, the existing five-toilet design will be replaced by two unisex conveniences, with disabled access, while part of the building will be used for storage.

At a planning meeting last week, George Cockman, one of Steyning's district councillors, said: "The question of how we deal with the toilets in the High Street has rumbled on for years.

"We have been told the building is not of a good standard.

"The toilets themselves are well past their sell-by date."

Mr Cockman added the redevelopment of the site would serve as an interim arrangement and was the "best of all possible deals".

He said: "It is something which makes the best use of the money and best use of the building for the next 10 years or so.

"We have got the best of all possible deals."

The proposed redevelopment of the building caused quite a stir earlier in the year, with questions raised over the suitability of unisex toilets and whether two were enough.

Len Warner, Steyning's other district councillor, had called the plans "unacceptable", but said he hoped the storage area could be converted to more toilets at some point, funds permitting.

Planned alterations to the block now include the demolition of a modesty wall and the current women's toilets being relocated to the southern side of the building.

After the meeting, Steyning Parish Council chairman Jackie Campbell said: "I am pleased to say it went through unopposed and we look forward to the starting date, hopefully in September.

"It is all systems go."

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