Flats opposed

On Monday members of the plans sub-committee said they were not opposed in principle to flats on the site but the proposed building was out of keeping with neighbouring Victorian and Edwardian properties.

They also said the building would be sited closer to the road than the existing property and were concerned about access to the back. They said the plan was an overdevelopment of the site.

The property, at 30 New Town, is empty and was last used as residential and office accommodation.

The plans submitted by Traditional Homes (Sussex) Ltd were for two-bedroom flats on three floors, the lower ground and the first and second floors with a parking area for 11 cars on the ground floor with a further three spaces outside.