The spiritual home of cult British films could be turned into homes.

Bray Management Company, which owns Bray Studios, has said the operation is struggling to keep up with technological advancements in a competitive market that includes rivals Pinewood Studios just 10 miles down the road.

The studios were once the home for world-famous Hammer Film Productions, which produced a string of classic horror movies.

The points have been raised in a planning application submitted to the Royal Borough for repairs to Grade II listed Down Place, the site’s central building.

The application adds the studios, formerly used to provide offices and facilities in connection with the film business, have been hit hard by the economic downturn and are no longer a viable business.

The plans, to replace the roof and windows of Down Place, were discussed at a Bray Parish Council meeting on Monday.

Cllr Grenville Annetts said: “They want to take off all the roof tiles and get them restored. They want to do more to the site.”

The document states a further application is likely for extensive work to convert the site into housing. It says Bray Management Company is considering proposals to ‘change the use of Down Place back to a residential dwelling’ and for ‘substantial investment in a comprehensive scheme of refurbishment as part of that conversion’.

Bray Parish Council raised no objections to the plans to repair the building. They will now be considered by the borough.

Bray Studios was unable for a comment.