An empty care home in Eastbourne will remain dormant for longer after councillors last night deferred plans to transform it into low-cost housing.

Council officers say demolishing Parker House and turning it into 31 affordable one and two-bedroom flats would overdevelop the area.

The plans, by the Raglan Housing Association, were recommended for refusal ahead of last night's meeting of the planning and licensing committee.

However, a decision will be made at an later meeting after councillors on the Lib Dem-run authority decided more time was needed to assess the plans.

Coun Maurice Skilton, Lib Dem for Old Town ward, said: "Because it's such a massive proposed development, more time is needed."

In a report, councillors were told the proposal forms a major part of the council's plans for low-cost housing in Eastbourne.

The properties will be affordable to more than 65 per cent of workers in Eastbourne, who are unable to pay for unsubsidised housing.

East Sussex County Council decided to close Parker House after saying it was not worth investing millions to upgrade it to meet strict new government standards.

Only two letters of objection have been received about Raglan's plans. Objectors say there are already too few parking spaces and raised fears about increased noise and disruption.

Southern Water, meanwhile, said the public sewerage system is already overloaded and the development could put homes at increased flood risk.

The report concluded: "Many aspects of the scheme are considered acceptable.

"This is especially the case with 31 units of affordable rent and shared ownership housing in a part of the borough that has the highest demand for such.

"However, it is also apparent the relatively large number of flats would comprise an overly-intensive form of development incompatible with the area."