Controversial plans to demolish an art deco bingo hall and replace it with a GPs' surgery and 38 flats have been withdrawn.

Developer Downland Housing Association has confirmed proposals for the redevelopment of the Gala Bingo Hall in Portland Road, Hove, are being reworked after discussions with planning officers at Brighton and Hove City Council.

The firm said it was adapting the scheme to address concerns raised by neighbours and council planners.

But Derek Rist, the chairman of the nearby Marmion Road Residents' Association, said he was disappointed the developers would not be consulting with neighbours before a new application is submitted.

He said: "Local democracy has just disappeared - I am talking to residents who didn't even know this was being planned.

We are very, very concerned about it and at least 330 letters of objection have been sent in.

"This is an overdevelopment and we want a local and open consultation."

Joyce Ferguson, a development director working for Downland, said: "We have been working closely with officers, local politicians and representatives of the local community for about three years to achieve a successful outcome for this site and the local community.

"Following our most recent meeting with the planning officers, it was agreed that the scheme submitted in February would be withdrawn and then resubmitted.

"This withdrawal is to allow our development team to make some amendments to the design and internal layouts of the proposed scheme with our architects, Conran and Partners, although the mix and number of units will remain broadly the same. Further information to address and respond to comments by officers and the local community now also needs to be assembled."

Brighton and Hove City Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) plans to close one practice and move services away from another if the project, which includes a surgery for ten doctors, is approved.

The Sackville Road surgery would shut because of problems converting the building for wheelchair access.

And the Central Hove Surgery in Ventnor Villas would lose some services to the new centre because health bosses say the building is cramped and lacks space for expansion.

The new premises would have a treatment room for minor surgery, be a base for district nurses and be used by mental health workers and counsellors.

The plans represent the second attempt to demolish the building, which has been empty for more than three years.

The PCT is inviting visitors to a choice of two events to discuss the proposed surgery relocation.

The discussions will be held on Tuesday at midday at Courtlands Hotel, The Drive, Hove, and Wednesday at 6pm at Hove Town Hall.

Those unable to attend but who want to voice their opinion should call 0800 013251 or email brightonandhovepals@nhs.net.