Traditional buildings with homes could now be built next to the Clock Tower in Brighton after councillors rejected the previous plans.

New proposals for a development at North Street Quadrant opposite Brighton's Clock Tower, replace Wildmoor Brighton's original contemporary scheme, which fell foul of Brighton and Hove City Council.

The company described the plan as contemporary with classic overtones but councillors were not happy about the loss of Victorian architecture.

They were also not pleased the original buildings, which were initially going to be retained, had to be demolished because they were so rotten.

Wildmoor went back to the drawing board and has now come up with a new proposal which consists of traditional style buildings in a near repeat of the original structures on the site.

But while the firm's first application featured offices above the main development of four shops, it is now looking to include flats instead.

The Quadrant public house, a listed building, will still be retained under the new plans.

Russell Long from London-based architects the Louis de Soissons Partnership, said: "The original buildings were rotten and in a dangerous state. This was not apparent before the demolition on the rest of the site was under way."

He said the flats would look better on the site than offices and would fit in well with the area, although no car parking or affordable housing is being proposed.

Mr Long said: "The proposal seeks to introduce vitality and viability into the centre in an area which has seen decline."

The application is likely to be heard by the planning committee on November 26 or December 17.

Thursday October 30, 2003