Protestors say a hotel will block views of the De La Warr Pavilion

Local residents say the project - which would include a hotel, offices and shops - will destroy the seafront and block views of the De La Warr Pavilion.

A public meeting is being held on Thursday to discuss the site.

Jackie Bialeska, a member of Save our Seafront, said: "We're not against progress but we object to the hotel."

Her group has collected more than 5,000 signatures from people who object to plans for a seafront development.

However, regeneration body Sea Space, which is behind the plan, says no firm ideas for the site have been agreed.

Public consultation

Earlier this month, it named a team of architects - ABK - to draw up a masterplan for the town.

The announcement followed a public exhibition and consultation exercise.

Spokesman Tariq Khwaja said the architects were considering a number of sites and designs.

"Nothing has been set in stone," he said.

Rother District Council Leader Graham Gubby said the council had not considered any plans to put a hotel or any other development on the seafront site.

He said Sea Space and ABK were still working to "identify the right site, for the right purpose, as part of our programme for regenerating Bexhill and Hastings".