People are being given more time to offer their thoughts on controversial plans for the King Alfred Leisure Centre.

Brighton and Hove City Council wants to build a new leisure centre in the west of the city and has narrowed plans down to two options to replace the current King Alfred in Hove.

Using the existing run-down site on Hove seafront is one of the options and another is a section of green space in the southern part of the Benfield Valley near the Sainsbury’s supermarket.

The Argus revealed that the land proposed for the new site has a restrictive covenant issued by the retail giant.

The covenant was part of the deal to ensure there was no development unless approved by Sainsbury’s when it opened in the valley and gave 77 acres to Hove Borough Council in 1992.

The Argus: The green space south of the Sainsbury's superstore is protected by a restrictive covenant from the 1990sThe green space south of the Sainsbury's superstore is protected by a restrictive covenant from the 1990s (Image: Google Earth)

People now have until February 16 to offer their thoughts on where the King Alfred should be. The original consultation was due to go on until January 31.

The final decision on the site will be this summer.

Councillor Alan Robins, chairman of the culture, heritage, sports, tourism and economic development committee, said: “While we are delighted that thousands of residents have already shared their views and comments with us, we are also aware that there are many others who need more time to review the details of the proposals and respond.

“After several failed attempts to re-develop the King Alfred, we believe our current proposals offer a unique and ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to finally make this happen. 

"But it’s vital that we get it right and we can only do this by involving and listening to our residents.

The Argus: The existing King Alfred site on Hove seafrontThe existing King Alfred site on Hove seafront (Image: The Argus)

“I would urge everyone to take the time to fill in the questionnaire - tell your family and friends and share with any groups or organisations you belong to.

“The feedback you give us will be hugely important as we move forward to develop an exciting, modern and sustainable new leisure centre we can all be proud of.”

Residents told The Argus about their concerns with the council’s plans to build in the Benfield Valley.

They also accused the council of wanting to sell the old site to developers and described it as “prime real estate”.

The council said work on the new King Alfred is expected to start in 2025.