The council's planning committee objected to the application which one councillor said was 'not good enough for Lewes'.

The council received four letters of complaint about the planned development of studio flats by developer Rees Elliott.

Criticisms from neighbours include the size and appearance of the planned four-story block, the quality of building materials planned and the potential light pollution.

Cllr Ruth O'Keeffe said: 'I think it's a disappointing set of plans and it's also extremely disjointed.

'It's nothing like anything else in the street and not exciting in any way.

'I don't think it would add anything to the street scene.'
Cllr Susan Murray said: 'It sticks out like a sore thumb.

'It's not good enough for Lewes.'

Developer Rees Elliott has also bought the former bus garage nearby and Cllr Merlin Milner said the Lewes-based company should reveal its plans for both sites.

A final decisio on the flats bid be made by Lewes District Council.