Plans to demolish the first bungalow in Hove and replace it with a block of flats have been refused for the fourth time.

Brighton and Hove city councillors turned down an application to bulldoze the detached bungalow and garage, built in Aymer Road in 1922, saying the proposed three-storey building was ugly and out of keeping.

Developers had hoped to build three two-bedroom and two three-bedroom flats and create two parking spaces.

Neighbours sent 27 letters of objection saying although they were not opposed to the demolition, the proposed building would look "odd" and "untidy" and a more suitable replacement should be found.

Councillor Denise Cobb, who represents Westbourne ward, said: "I am delighted with the result. It's what the residents wanted.

"It would have encroached on neighbouring properties and led to loss of light and gardens.

"Some people would like to see the bungalow kept but it is quite dilapidated and there are concerns if it is left like that for much longer it will have to come down anyway."

Councillor Brian Oxley said: "One of the issues is that this bungalow is in a conservation area."

Councillor Carol Theobald, a member of the planning committee, said: "The proposal is for a three-storey building but a two-storey family house or two flats would be much better. Five flats is overdevelopment of the site and there would be a lack of parking spaces.

"The building would occupy most of the land and there would be no room left for any amenity space. It is just too much."

Councillor Delia Forester said: "The plans were too big and too bulky. It just didn't look very nice.