Residents are angry at plans to demolish an historic building which has been home to a Lewes bonfire society for 150 years.

The hall, next to the Elephant and Castle pub in White Hill, Lewes, has been the headquarters of Commercial Square Bonfire Society since just after it was built in 1838.

The 600-member society rents the building and co-ordinates celebrations for Britain's most famous Guy Fawkes Night celebrations from it.

The site is used for storage and organisers meet there every Sunday in the months leading up to the event to build torches and the spectacular effigies.

On the night itself the brick and flint building is the traditional gathering place for the society's fancy dress parade through the town.

But now the society - the second largest in Lewes - is devastated after plans were submitted to Lewes District Council to demolish the property and build three town houses in its place.

The proposals have been recommended for approval and are expected to be given the go-ahead at a council meeting tonight.

Simon Newman, chairman of Commercial Square Bonfire Society, said: "We have rented part of the property for 150 years and it means quite a lot to us.

"We don't want to lose it but we don't have enough money to buy it. It is a focal point for the celebrations. It gives us a safe and secure storage place and allows us to be family-orientated on the night.

"We might be able to buy it with the help of benefactors and that is certainly something we will look into."

The hall is not listed although it is in a conservation area. Fourteen residents have protested at the plans saying they would destroy the historical character of the area and cause traffic problems.

They believe the building, which also used to be a car repair workshop, should be listed.

East Sussex County Council archaeologists want the site investigated because there is evidence the area may contain prehistoric burial mounds.

Council officers and the Friends of Lewes are recommending the development is approved, saying it would improve the appearance of the street. The existing building is not considered worthy of being listed.

A report before councillors says: "Letters have been received from the applicant's agent answering points raised by objectors, stating that the properties have been designed to respect the character of the existing street scene and would reduce the number of vehicle movements compared with the previous vehicle repair use."