More than 150 people packed a meeting to debate the future of a historic town many fear is under threat from modern developments.

Architects and planners have sparked heated debate in Lewes recently with a string of contemporary buildings which some say are a blight on the character of the town.

Friends of Lewes called the public meeting - "Lewes on the brink" - to discuss whether these new developments will enrich or blight the town.

President of the group Peter Mettyear has warned that "if all these developments are considered piecemeal without an overall vision of what we want for Lewes, the result could blight our town irreparably".

Peter Hammond, of Friends of Lewes, said: "The Lewes townscape is changing and new buildings or development plans have sometimes caused disquiet and sparked protest. Now several major schemes are coming forward which could radically transform the town - for better or worse.

"But with such a vision, can good planning and design preserve the special character of Lewes as one of England's finest historic market towns - and make it an even better place to live in?

"The Friends of Lewes believe that all this is too important to be left to even the best-intentioned politicians and officials, developers and architects, many of whom will not live in the town. The people of Lewes should have their say."

The debate took place at the Town Hall on Thursday evening.

Mr Hammond, of Southover High Street, added: "Apart from some people who don't want any change at all, I think most people agreed that Lewes needs a vision document.

"We need a clear statement about what Lewes is, what is important for the town and what Lewes needs for the future. We need jobs and affordable housing which involves change. My personal view is that the reason I came to Lewes is because it is a very attractive town. It has got a great variety of architecture and it's an informal place to live.

"But it needs to be a living town, not a well-preserved museum piece. It's got a lot of life and character going on and it will have to change in the future to stay alive.

"There has to be development and the challenge is to get it right. The argument that most speakers had at the meeting was that if you are going to have this kind of development you need good quality modern architecture that is in keeping with the character of the town.

"Some of these modern buildings, such as Grange Villas, are a great example of modern architecture and it would be very sad if architects couldn't produce new developments."

Retired architect and Lewes resident Robert Smart said: "I think Lewes is a beautiful town and there is a mix of buildings from all periods, that's the charm of it.

"We need to keep the best of the past but also bring in contemporary architecture. We have to keep the place alive. These modern buildings are an opportunity not a threat, as long as they remain in the context of the town."