More than 100 people today demonstrated against plans to develop the shoreline at Brighton's West Pier.

They fear two buildings planned for either side of the Grade 1 listed pier would spoil the look of the seafront.

Protesters, including a band, an Australian didgeridoo player and the 'Prince Regent' gathered outside the Hilton Metropole hotel as plans were unveiled.

Developers St Modwen properties and the Brighton West Pier Trust say the buildings, housing 70,000sqft of shops, bars and cafes will help pay for the restoration of the derelict pier.

But the Save Our Seafront campaign claims the buildings will rise up to 22ft above the level of King's Road.

Protest organiser Magenta Wise, said: "The buildings will block the views of the sea for 400ft either side of the pier.

"The paddling pool will be lost and the whole atmosphere of the seafront will be ruined.

"We also question the need for this type of commercial development when a similar scheme on the Aquarium Terraces is not yet full.

"We are all for the restoration of the West Pier but there are better ways to pay for it."

She said alternative plans would be put on show in April.

Save Our Seafront campaigner Derek Granger said the project would ruin one on the finest seafronts in Britain.

He said: "It goes completely against the city council's local plan for this fine listed seafront.

"This development is going to be as big as the old Hanningtons department store in North Street.

"I am a member of the West Pier Trust and as keen as anyone to see it restored to its former glory.

"But what is planned will ruin one of the finest listed seafronts in the country."

Brighton impresario Brian Ralfe joined the protest dressed as the Prince Regent.

He said: "What is the point of restoring the West Pier if you are then going to obscure it with buildings?"

A planning application is to be submitted early in March.

If accepted, emergency repairs to the pier would start later this year, followed by full restoration next spring. It could be completed by the summer of 2004.

Planning permission has already been obtained for restoring the pier to its original Twenties splendour, a time when two million people a year paid tolls to go on it.

Up to £14 million for the scheme will be provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, assuming a legal challenge by the owners of the nearby Palace Pier fails.

Modwen says the shoreline buildings were needed to make sure the restoration was viable.

If work goes ahead, the West Pier would be reopened fully to the public for the first time since it closed in 1975.

Recent surveys have shown the pier is in danger of irreparable damage unless restoration starts shortly.

Dr Geoff Lockwood, chief executive of the Brighton West Pier Trust, told a Press conference today: "We are drinking in the last chance saloon. If these plans are not accepted, my view is that the pier will never be restored."

He said the scheme was the only one produced which authentically restored the pier without putting extra buildings on it.

Architect David Keirle from KSS said no shoreline building would be more than 5.8m above the upper esplanade. He added: "We have not taken away anyone's view but we are enhancing views dramatically."

He said the shoreline buildings would be an attraction in their own right as well as leading people on to the pier.

Nick Doyle for St Modwen said alternatives that tucked away buildings below the height of King's Road would not be commercially viable.

Changes have been made to the design following consultation with residents and groups since July last year.

They include breaks in the buildings to provide extra views of the West Pier and horizon from the Kings Road esplanade.

St Modwen and the trust will hold a public exhibition of the proposal at the trust's office on the West Pier between April 10 and 16.

A newsletter explaining the proposals will be distributed to residents in Brighton and Hove, including a FREEPOST comments card to encourage people to make their views known.