Developers have won their bid to put two controversial sculptures in a residential street.

Karis Developments can now go ahead and install the blocks of sculptured Kilkenny limestone at the foot of Connaught Road in Hove.

The works of art were rejected last year by Brighton and Hove planning councillors who said they would spoil a part of the Old Hove conservation area.

They said the artwork could obstruct pedestrians and cars at the junction with Church Road.

However, planning inspector John Peall has overruled their recommendations, allowing Karis to carry on with the project which it says will enhance the street where it is building 22 flats.

One of the sculptures has been inspired by the natural contours of sea and cliffs, while the other will be an architectural structure to reflect the new development in the road.

The limestone pieces will be only 2.8 metres and 1.3 metres tall.

Mr Peall said the proposals would reflect the transition between residential Connaught Road and busy Church Road.

He said: "Although limestone is not a local material, I do not consider in the context of artwork it would be harmful.

"The details of the sculptures would be at a relatively small scale in the overall appearance of the townscape and as such would not significantly affect the appearance of the area."

Karis spokeswoman Heather James said: "We will want to move forward with this as quickly as possible."

She said Karis was pleased with the decision and the artwork would respect the environment.

Central Hove Tory councillor Averil Older said: "The building is totally out of keeping with the area and the sculptures are to celebrate the building as a gateway to Connaught Road.

"The building doesn't need enhancing by two sculptures that will probably be vandalised.

"Why are they allowed to build things on pavements and will this now happen all over the city?"