Historians have voiced fears over a proposed assault on art deco architecture which could lead to some of the county's most interesting buildings being replaced by bland developments.

Brighton's most famous example of the Twenties architectural style, Embassy Court, is undergoing a multi-million pound facelift, including a swimming pool and gym.

Yet in East Sussex some of the few remaining examples of art deco architecture are threatened by development.

Campaigners today voiced fears over the future of an old bus depot in Cavendish Place, Eastbourne, as it was revealed could be demolished to make way for a 35-vehicle coach park, 43 flats and shops.

Opposition to the plans follows renewed anger over proposals for development which could blight another of East Sussex's art deco gems, the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. Thousands of people have opposed the building of offices, apartments and shops on part of its car park.

The Eastbourne Society said the resort's heritage had been eroded over the years by modern development and the plans for the old depot were yet another example.

Chairman Owen Boydell said: "This building is one of the last links Eastbourne now has with this era. It would really be an act of vandalism by the council should it be demolished."

The depot, which is not listed but is sited in a conservation area, has attracted the interest of a London-based property developer.

An application is expected to go before planning councillors on Tory-controlled Eastbourne Borough Council by next month.

Opponents plan to get the application thrown out.

Mr Boydell said: "Part of our role at the Eastbourne Society is to ensure the architecture of the town is of a reasonable standard.

"When we see that is not happening we will do our best to oppose it."

Roland Gardner, a chartered surveyor of Eastbourne-based Tingley Commercial, which acquired the site on behalf of the developers, said the building has long been run down.

It was run by bus operator Stagecoach but was found to be surplus to requirements. Since then it been left to decay for years, resulting in it being ruled unsafe by structural engineers.

Mr Gardner said that if councillors were to reject the application the site would lay dormant for another five years, causing further structural damage.

He said: "The problem with this building is it has been open to the elements for so many years it has decayed and is beyond saving.