Plans to tear down a former hospital and replace it with flats and a GP surgery have been unanimously rejected.

Developers Taylor Wimpey are now considering whether to appeal yesterday's decision at Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee or submit a new application for the former Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Dyke Road, Brighton.

Taylor Wimpey wanted to pull down the Victorian structure and replace it with more than 150 flats - 40 per cent of which would be "affordable homes" - along with a GP surgery, a pharmacy and a community green for public use.

Resident groups, ward councillors, English Heritage and the Victorian Society strongly objected to the proposals.

Roger Amerena, chairman of the Montpelier and Clifton Hill Association, said: "We are calling for a tripartite meeting with the developers, the council and ourselves to thrash out a revised scheme which includes the retention of the main building."

Taylor Wimpey said it was is extremely disappointed.

David Brown, of Taylor Wimpey, said: "Taylor Wimpey's approach has always been, and continues to be, to work with the Local Authority and the local community with the aim of securing the most appropriate development for this site.

"Although we are disappointed with this decision, we are confident that all of the matters raised in the committee report can be fully addressed.

"We are now considering our options as to whether or not to pursue an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate or submit a new application in due course."