Campaigners who want to restore the historic West Pier say it will be authentic even though part of the buildings have been lost to winter storms.

Brighton and Hove City Council has already given permission to restore the Grade I listed pier.

The planning committee will soon decide whether to accept three large leisure shoreline buildings to generate cash for the job.

The West Pier Trust holds a library of original drawings of the pier and has also salvaged some of the buildings.

It even has some of the drawings produced by Victorian pier architect Eugenius Birch.

Chief executive Geoff Lockwood said: "The proposals will achieve the authentic and lasting restoration and recreation where necessary of the pier, to its Twenties external appearance when, by common consent, the pier was at its architectural best."

He said the three shoreline pavilions would enhance the pier but this is disputed by Save Our Seafront, the action group which is strongly opposed to them.

Dr Lockwood added: "The scheme will be a restaurant-led, cultural, leisure and tourist retail development aimed at a very different market from that of the Palace Pier.

"It should enhance Brighton's attraction to a wider visitor audience."

He said the scheme was needed to fund the cost and create maintenance income in addition to money from the Heritage Lottery Fund for restoring the pier to deck level.

Dr Lockwood added: "Our proposals have been developed over the years and revised to take on board issues raised by the council, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, English Heritage and local residents.

"There is no more time available for deferment. The West Pier is an ageing and damaged structure. It is time to agree the proposals to save the West Pier or consign it to history."

Nick Doyle, director of private sector partners St Modwen, said: "Not only will the proposals restore and rebuild the West Pier to its original splendour but the new pavilions will also provide the finance to ensure the pier's future maintenance."