Neighbours are against plans to knock down a bungalow and replace it with two detached houses.
Tony Antoniades has applied for outline planning permission for the plot on the corner of Ridgewood Avenue and Lustrells Crescent in Saltdean.
It is next door to the Grade II listed building which was Newlands Barn and which is now converted into homes.
Officials are advising Brighton and Hove City Council planning committee to approve the application when councillors meet today.
Neighbours raised concerns about the historic building, the size of the plot and the loss of privacy.
One Saltdean Vale resident was concerned about lost trees, overcrowding and the impact on the old barn.
He said: “Trying to squeeze two large houses on a single bungalow site will look unsightly and odd.
“This proposal is totally out of character next to a 200-plus-year-old barn and stable which are part of Saltdean’s heritage.”
Two Ridgewood Avenue residents said they objected in the “strongest terms”.
They said: “It was impressed on us that the barn itself was a listed property dating back to medieval times and the new bungalows were built on condition they will retain the unique style complimenting the barn.”
The council’s heritage team said the design was acceptable and described the bungalow as “of no historic value”.
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