Business leaders have put their weight behind a controversial brownfield site development.

The New England Consortium has put in plans to Brighton and Hove City Council for a mixed use scheme on land next to Brighton station.

It includes two hotels, a language school headquarters, hundreds of homes and a supermarket.

BUDD, Brighton Urban Development and Design, has opposed the scheme along with the Brighton Society, fearing the development would blight London Road and generate more traffic.

However, the City Centre Business Forum said it should not harm either London Road or North Laine.

City centre manager Tony Mernagh said:

"While the links from London Road to the new development are not ideal, we are convinced the developers are proposing a genuine attempt to make them attractive."

Mr Mernagh said parking for the supermarket had been pared to the minimum and plenty of buses passed nearby. There would be plenty of people who would go there on foot or bike.

"The supermarket is controversial but it is a necessary element to generate the income needed to make the rest of the scheme viable."

The language school headquarters was welcome along with housing for 400 students on site, although care would have to be taken to stop it becoming scruffy.

Mr Mernagh said a hotel would be much needed and in a sensible location. The developments would be away from the seafront giving people a chance to enjoy the city centre.

He welcomed proposals for modern high quality offices and room for small businesses.

He said a community space would have to be wanted and needed by local people if it were to be successful.

North Laine traders have also come out in favour of the proposals after conducting a poll of members.

It found 59 per cent in favour, 36 per cent against and five per cent undecided.

Chris Gilbert, project manager for the New England Consortium, said: "We're delighted that they like what we are now proposing. We have always believed the creation of a whole new community working and living on the site can only benefit local retailers."

The application will be considered by the city planning committee on December 11.