City planning officials have backed controversial restoration plans for the historic West Pier in Brighton.

They have recommended Brighton and Hove city councillors approve the proposals put forward by developers.

St Modwen and the Brighton West Pier Trust created plans almost a year ago.

They include restoring the Grade I listed pier and putting up large shoreline leisure buildings to make the scheme viable.

There has been strong opposition to the buildings from Save Our Seafront and amenity societies.

More than 3,000 objections have been received by the council.

However, several influential organisations have backed the bid, including English Heritage.

Now planning officer Hamish Walke is recommending approval, subject to many conditions and a legal agreement, at a meeting next Wednesday.

St Modwen director Nick Doyle said: "There are just seven days left to save the West Pier.

"The countdown is already under way and any further delay will signal the end of the pier."

Mr Walke said in his 88-page report: "The scheme is undoubtedly controversial and would have some adverse impact upon issues including ecology, seafront views and the character and appearance of the Regency Square conservation area.

"It would also secure the restoration of a Grade I listed building and one of the finest piers in the world."

Mr Walke concluded on balance the advantages outweighed the negative impact but said conditions would provide control over it.

Proposed conditions include making sure the shoreline buildings secure the restoration, providing better public transport access to the site, noise control and staggered hours of closure.

The legal agreement will cover some of these issues and the planning committee does not have to endorse his recommendation.

This 39-point agreement also covers points such as making sure no noise from the pier or leisure buildings is audible nearby.

The application was submitted in April last year but was altered later to meet some of the objections sent to the council.

One of the strongest objections is from the rival Palace Pier, which has also made an objection to the European Court about National Lottery money being used for part of the restoration.

Mr Walke said the revised plans were an improvement on the original but still presented problems.

Some listed buildings would be affected in the conservation area but he added: "The proposals incorporate the minimum level of development to secure restoration and maintenance of the pier."

Sue Paskins from Save Our Seafront said: "There is an alternative plan which we support, which will not ruin the seafront.

"We are disappointed with this response but it is up to councillors to make up their own minds."

West Pier Trust chief executive Geoff Lockwood said: "It is time to face the reality of the situation.

"Our proposals are sound. Let us get on with implementing them."