PLANS to light a coastal beacon to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee have been abandoned after objections from residents.

The Royal British Legion cancelled its proposals for Beacon Hill in Rottingdean after it received complaints and negative responses.

However, the historic beacon on Hove seafront will be lit as part of Brighton and Hove’s celebrations to mark the Queen’s 70 years as monarch.

The news comes just days after Conservative by-election candidate Lynda Hyde raised concerns about the lack of news on whether plans to light the beacon in Rottingdean would go ahead.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We understand that the Royal British Legion has decided not to proceed with its Rottingdean Jubilee Beacon event this year after taking on board views expressed by local residents.

“However, the historic beacon on Hove seafront will be lit on June 2. This will begin a weekend of celebrations in the city to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“These include a ‘bring your own picnic' event on June 4 in the Royal Pavilion Garden organised jointly by the council and Brighton Fringe. The entertainment will include children’s workshops, story-telling and music.”

The council also apologised after including Norfolk Groyne Beacon on its event listing, despite it no longer existing, saying it was due to “an administrative error”.

The Argus: Beacon Hill in Rottingdean: credit - Ian TaylorBeacon Hill in Rottingdean: credit - Ian Taylor

The Hove Beacon is a replica of the original beacon, erected as part of a national network to warn of invasion by the Spanish Armada.

It was last lit, along with the other beacons in the Sussex chain, in 1988 to mark the 400th anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish fleet.

New LED lighting is being installed on the beacon as part of a joint project between the city council’s arts development and street lighting teams and local lighting designer Eleni Shiarlis.

The beacon will illuminate the seafront in the evenings, making the area safer and more attractive for residents and tourists after dark.

Councillor Martin Osborne, who co-chairs the tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “It will be wonderful to see the Hove Beacon shine out over the seafront once more as we join the national celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“It’s also fitting that the project will have a lasting legacy, creating an improved and safer seafront for our residents and visitors.”