Planning inspector David Harmston, who makes the final decision, visited the property last week.

Nick Gower, of Selwyn Drive, said his property and his neighbours' houses would be overlooked by the proposed flats.

He added, "We objected to this as it's a high building right behind our house.

"This is the busiest bit of the road and they want to put more cars here.

"There's quite a lot of people who are not happy about it."

A resident of Upperton Road said the semi-detached houses which could be pulled down are 'perfectly good homes' and that the plans are purely for profit.

Eastbourne county councillor Bob Lacey joined the residents for the demo in Upperton Road.

He said, "The problem is the proposed size of the development.

"It would be unreasonable and manifestly unfair if the height of the building were to block out sunlight from houses in Selwyn Drive, which backs directly onto the site.

"Their quality of life would be severely affected. In winter time their sunlight would be extinguished by 3pm — that is why high rise permission was refused back in 2005.

"Local residents are being bombarded by developers who seem to have little interest in preserving our environment and who just think that they can bully local people into submitting to their ravenous plans.

"We need Eastbourne Borough Council to review the planning regulations, which are based on government guidelines, and revert to a policy which will protect the uniqueness of Eastbourne and make it a nice place to live."