The Endeavour Motor Company's headquarters in Preston Road was widely welcomed when it opened in Brighton 40 years ago.

But these days it is unlikely such a building would be given planning permission in a largely residential area.

Now Southern Primary Housing and Karis Developments are seeking consent from the city council to build 126 homes on the site.

The scheme has several advantages, including a large percentage of social housing and efforts to stop it having a big impact on traffic in the area.

But if it does not go ahead, it is likely another car company will take over the building.

As The Argus reports today, a large business specialising in second-hand cars is interested in the site as a motor hypermarket.

One of its other branches in Hertfordshire opens until 10pm on weekdays and it is likely to be far noisier than a block of flats.

Although some aspects of this development, such as neon signs, would need permission, the basic use as a car business would not.

People in neighbouring streets are understandably apprehensive about a large housing development near their homes.

Their worry is particularly about cars but it should be possible to impose conditions on the development that would reduce the problem and the developers also propose a car club.