Councillors fear plans to breathe new life into a dilapidated hotel could blight neighbours' homes.

Owners of the rundown George Hotel in George Street, Hailsham, hope to restore the Grade II-listed building to its former glory.

They have submitted revised plans to officers at Wealden District Council after previous proposals were deemed to be an overdevelopment of the site.

Council members will discuss whether to allow disused outbuildings on the property to be turned into offices and shops and if a three-storey block of flats should be built on land at the back of the hotel.

The scheme has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

But town councillors, although supportive of reviving the 18th Century hotel, say a block of flats would be an intrusion into neighbouring properties.

They said the three-storey elevation was unacceptable.

Members also raised concerns about a lack of parking and intrusion into the town centre conservation area.

The hotel closed early last year after years of deterioration. Its owner, Penants Inns, is hoping to attract buyers who will turn it back into a thriving business.

The company is in negotiations with Dark Star Breweries, based in Haywards Heath, to take over the premises but say delays with planning consent has put other interested parties off.

A spokesman for Dark Star Brewery, which runs the Evening Star pub in Brighton, said the company was interested in creating a family-orientated, traditional-style pub, without pool tables and fruit machines.

He said: "We like to get back to the more traditional pubs. There are enough theme pubs at the moment and not enough real pubs left."

The Georgian Group, a charity which campaigns against the destruction, neglect and maltreatment of Georgian buildings, was also consulted.

Spokeswoman Claire Campbell said the listed building should remain prominent in any development.

The planning meeting takes place at the Lagoon Leisure Centre on Thursday.