Almost 4,000 people have objected to plans to build a striking multi-million-pound complex next door to one of Sussex's architectural gems.

The proposal is for a huge development, including a hotel and shops, on a putting green next to the De La Warr Pavilion on Bexhill seafront. Objectors want council officials to scrap the plans to preserve the town's quiet seaside image.

Petitions, silent vigils and hundreds of letters have been sent since it emerged the mixed-use development was planned as a neighbour to the Grade-I listed art deco pavilion.

Architects Ahrends, Burton and Koralek (ABK) were chosen from a three-strong shortlist of international designers to press ahead with the scheme.

They were briefed to submit plans for the development comprising a 60-bed hotel, office space, apartments and ground-level shops.

ABK's design features two interlocking curves which accommodate the sloping-roofed hotel in an arc facing the sea. They also propose a 300-space car park underneath the Twenties pavilion for use by the venue and the hotel, offices and flats.

In addition, ABK plans a new railway booking hall fronting Devonshire Square in the nearby town centre, restoration of railway buildings and an L-shaped gallery space at the pavilion.

But Joan Everett, 82, of the Save Our Seafront campaign, said: "We don't want it.

"It has received a universal thumbs-down from the people of Bexhill and we want it kicked out. Even some people at the council are shifting their positions slightly. The whole of the seafront would be affected."

The plans aim to revive Bexhill by creating 500 jobs in five years, attracting business, enterprise and tourists and giving young people a reason to stay.

ABK won 40 per cent of the public vote for its master plan and 43 per cent for its landmark development, making it the most popular choice with the public as well as the panel.

The winning designer now has six months to finalise the masterplan before a planning application is submitted.

Should all go to plan, initial building work could start at the end of next year, with completion in up to five years.

However, members of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce said the public consultation process was too short and more should have been done by the panel to gauge opinion.

A public meeting, expected to be attended by up to 300 is being held at the Victoria Hall, Bexhill, on May 27, at 7pm.