A 400-year-old landmark, which warned against Spanish invasion, could once again light up the Sussex skyline if protesters have their way.

Peter Gossage, 53, of East Chiltington, near Lewes, hoped to erect an 18ft oak post and brazier at Mount Harry, on the Downs near Lewes, the site where a beacon burned in 1588 to warn of attack from the Spanish Armada.

But the plan has met strong opposition from planning officers at Lewes District Council.

They have recommended councillors reject the proposal at a meeting tomorrow on the grounds the beacon would look out of place in the area of outstanding natural beauty.

Mr Gossage, vice-chairman of East Chiltington Parish Council, argued the beacon was an important part of the area's history and would form part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

He said: "It was put up to warn of the Spanish invasion. It's an important historical piece here. I have had a letter through from the council, saying it would ruin the skyline, which I can't work out."

Mr Gossage said he was not prepared to accept the council's compromise of allowing the beacon up on a temporary basis.

Planning officer Andrew Hill said: "Our main consideration is the impact this oak post and brazier would have as a permanent structure on top of the Downs. We have told the applicant we have no problem with it being there on a temporary basis but he is unwilling to agree to this.

"As there is no difference in planning terms between one post and another this would open the door to further applications in this area of outstanding natural beauty, such as for mobile phone masts."

Mr Gossage and other supporters will put their case to the council at tomorrow's meeting.