Campaigners in Haywards Heath have pledged to save their local pub despite new plans for a £4 million development on the site.

Planning officers have already received 196 letters objecting to the application by Devine Homes to build commercial units and 25 flats.

A first application to build on the site of The Sussex, built in 1860, was turned down. However, the plans have now been amended following planning officers' recommendations.

Alan Golds, a regular drinker at the pub, started a Save Our Sussex campaign last year.

He said: "We're still hopeful and determined to keep fighting - all we can do is protest and hope they hear our concerns.

"I fear yet another amenity in the town will be lost. It may not be an exceptional example of a Victorian building generally, but in Haywards Heath many a soldier marched past it to Newhaven on his way to die in Flanders.

"It's full of history and it would be a shame to see it become sterile new flats.

"I fear because the new plans are a compromise the planning committee will nod it through, but we will continue to fight our corner."

Chris Posgate, Divine Homes' managing director, said: "Our plans will provide a landmark entrance to the town. That corner is pretty scrappy in what is a major entrance to Haywards Heath.

"We're planning to make the building echo the Priory nearby, with similar features, so it will be very attractive.

"The thing is, the pub is not making money or the brewery would not be trying to sell it."

Plans for the proposed development can be seen at Haywards Heath Town Hall, Boltro Road. Councillors are expected to debate the issue on on June 12.