Plans for more than 100 seafront retirement flats have attracted fierce opposition from residents, with one saying the development will be an “eyesore”.

Untold Living wants to build 137 flats for people aged 75 and over at Eastbourne’s Sovereign Harbour.

The company bought the two-and-a-half acre site in November and, if approved, the plans will see a range of one and two-bedroom apartments built with the provision of round-the-clock care.

But more than 100 people have objected to the proposals on the council's planning register.

There are fears the town cannot cope with the size of the development.

Sue Burgess, of Dominica Court, said: “The most ridiculous idea.

“There is no way this area can possibly cope with more people. I have been here 20 years and I'm still waiting for pathways to be done that were promised.

“The whole area is wheelchair and pushchair unfriendly.”

Wilbert Baptiste, of Macquarie Quay, said the development will be an “eyesore”.

“The new development will be an eyesore and will block out light. It will reduce the availability of parking and will affect the freedom of walking and enjoying the little bit of nature in the area.”

Lucy Hancock, of Hardwick Road, said: “There is no facility for parking for this massive development for residents, staff or visitors.

“The road leading to the property is completely unsuitable.

“Why blight the landscape with this seven-storey development?”

Yvonne Adams, of St Kitts Drive, said the development would be “absolutely awful”.

Andrew Harrington, of Anguilla Close, liked the idea but said the buildings need to be reduced in height.

“The idea is great but the development is too big and I fear all parties will lose light, community, and space,” he said.

“Please consider reducing height of buildings and number of dwellings.”

Alan Sayers, who lives in Sovereign Harbour, said the plan should be rejected.

“The issues that spring to mind and are very obvious: shortage of parking for owners, visitors and staff, additional traffic, loss of privacy for existing residents, density of the design, nature conservation, the appearance of massive blocks on the lovely seafront, highway safety and the additional noise from such a large "village",” he said.