Councillors have decided to sell a derelict farmstead site in Patcham so that offices can be built there.

There was opposition on Brighton and Hove's policy committee from Green councillor Keith Taylor.

He said the Patcham Court Farm buildings, which have been severed from the rest of the farm by the Brighton bypass, were in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

There were strong objections from the Preston and Old Patcham Society.

Coun Taylor said the site was not near any bus routes and would drive traffic into the old village.

Council leader Ken Bodfish said it was essential any scheme was of the highest design and that it produced real employment instead of just a few jobs.

Patcham Tory councillor Geoffrey Theobald said he would rather have seen the site used for a hotel than offices.