Michael Raynor, of English Heritage, says plan is tasteless

English Heritage believes visitors to the ruins of the abbey that William the Conqueror built to atone for those who died in battle should be able to buy a cup of tea.

But the Battlefield Trust thinks the proposal is philistine.

Spokesman Michael Raynor says the building - which would include toilets - would lower the dignity of the battlefield.

"I think it's in very questionable taste and extremely insensitive to build such things," he said.

'Think again'

The Battlefield Trust's main objection is that the building would set a dangerous precedent, which could be followed by other developers seeking to build on battlefield sites.

"As the custodian of battlefields, English Heritage should set a standard. When it's as important a battlefield as Hastings, there really shouldn't be any new building close to the centre of it," said Mr Raynor.

The local district council was to have decided on the issue on Thursday - but at the last minute it emerged that English Heritage asked for the application to be deferred.

Mr Raynor says he hopes the English Heritage will think again about its proposals.

The Battle of Hastings was won by the William, Duke of Normandy, and marks the last time England was invaded by a foreign power.

The battle was not actually fought at Hastings, but at the place that became known as Battle, six miles inland.