A derelict Victorian hotel looks likely to be knocked down to make way for a new medical centre and 40 flats.

The ornate Marlborough Hotel in Warrior Square, Hastings, has been abandoned since 1988, during which time it has deteriorated into an eyesore.

Previous schemes to restore the building and convert it into flats have come to nothing because of the high costs involved.

Now the Hyde Housing Association has applied to Hastings Council planners for permission to demolish it.

The housing association, which owns the building, plans to build a medical centre with space for two separate doctors' practices, 11 consulting rooms, a pharmacy and an NHS dentist practice.

There would be five floors above the medical centre, containing affordable sheltered flats for the elderly.

The complex would also include communal facilities for residents, such as dining rooms, a reception area, a hairdresser's, a lounge and guest bedrooms, laundry and day rooms.

The housing association says the new building would look similar to the present structure, which was erected in 1863, but with smaller, modern balconies on some floors.

Campaigners opposed to the development want the council to ensure the hotel's original facade is retained as a focal point in the historic square.

The council's conservation officer Jim Corrigan said: "The Marlborough is a robustly detailed Victorian building of great visual status and panache. My basic architectural instinct believes the building, or at least its exterior shell, should be retained.

"I have, however, come to the view that although, technically, the building could be saved, there is no 'white knight' in sight or likely to appear to bring the building back into economic use."

In the absence of anyone willing to restore the Marlborough, Mr Corrigan believes the Hyde proposal gives the best chance of solving the problem of the decaying site.