A planned 30-storey tower block in Bognor Regis could ruin the view from some of the oldest sites in West Sussex.
The need to consider the impact of what would be the tallest building in the county has come from archaeologist Mark Taylor.
He said that the impact of such a building dominating the skyline from the South Downs needed to be considered.
"A mu
lti-storey structure of this height would be unprecedented in West Sussex and could be 'iconic' for the wrong reasons," stated Mr Taylor, the senior archaeologist at West Sussex County Council.
"High rise coastal developments, as well as being visible from long distances at sea and along the coast, can be readily seen from prominent locations within the South Downs area of natural beauty, which may soon become a national park."
It was well known, he continued, that the location of prehistoric hilltop sites within the South Downs provided visibility over long distances.
"For example, from The Trundle to the north of Chichester it is possible to see as far as Seven Sisters in East Sussex in clear conditions.
"And structures such as Butlins and Fitzleet tower are readily evident from the downland.
"In considering the impact of setting, the wider setting of the AONB and the setting of a number of prominent scheduled monuments should be taken into account."
His remarks are contained in the comments he has made about the archaeology and cultural heritage aspects of any regeneration of the Hothamton site off the Queensway.
The 30-storey tower of 180 flats has been put forward by St Modwen Properties as the centrepiece of its latest proposals for Hothamton.
The company's intention is to create a landmark for Bognor as part of its £100m-plus regeneration ambitions working with Arun District Council.
But the idea of a structure twice the height of Fitzleet House next door has been heavily criticised by residents and councillors around the town.
They have condemned it for being out of keeping and failing to better the town's economic prospects.
A further series of consultations will be staged by St Modwen in about three months' time when the company will unveil its latest ideas.
It intends to submit a planning application for the redevelopment in the autumn.
The regeneration will also involve the Regis Centre site.
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