Brighton University has resubmitted plans to build accommodation for more than 300 students.
But neighbours of the Welkin campus of Brighton University in Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, fear the amended plans do not go far enough to stem worries about the design of the building.
William Mount, chairman of Meads Community Association's planning committee, said: "We are worried about the impact on the Downs.
"There is already a massive building there which can be seen from this area of outstanding natural beauty."
Architects for Brighton University submitted plans for the construction of four-storey buildings on the campus in February.
Protests from residents prompted the university to adapt some of its plans and resubmit an application this month.
A spokesman for the university said: "We have bent over backwards to listen to the issues that residents have raised.
"The feedback we have had from the council officers is that we have gone some way to redesign the building."
Instead of several four-storey blocks, university architects have submitted plans for six two, three and four-storey blocks.
The spokesman said staff were looking at ways to encourage students to leave their cars at home.
The Welkin campus is in a conservation area and members of Eastbourne Borough Council's conservation area advisory group were discussing the plans today.
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