New homes would help finance the redevelopment of the ailing King Alfred leisure centre in Hove, it was suggested today.

Property consultants CB Hillier came up with the recommendation in a report to Brighton and Hove City Council.

It is considering the future of the King Alfred in Hove after the failure of a commercial scheme 13 months ago.

The document suggests homes, a doctor's surgery, restaurants, shops and cafe-bars on the site.

But council officials stressed no decision had been made and more public consultation would take place. It sees some form of development as essential to pay for new sport and leisure on the site.

A report by sports consultant Ken Burlton in November said little of the estimated £15 to 20 million cost of the sports centre could be met by the National Lottery.

Housing would generate most money because the market for homes is so buoyant in Brighton and Hove.

The report also lists options which might be acceptable but which are thought unlikely to raise sufficient cash. These include a hotel, small cinema and ten-pin bowling.

Regarded as totally unacceptable are a multiplex cinema, night club, casino, a major retail development or a private health club.

The report says account has been taken of the council's policy requiring 40 per cent of new housing developments to be affordable homes.

It will be put before the King Alfred task group which meets at Hove Town Hall on Tuesday at 4.30pm and is open to the public.

If the task group agrees to the principle of homes, more work on redevelopment options for the sports centre will be carried out, with more public consultation.

Councillor Mike Middleton, who chairs the task group, said: "Hove needs a new sports centre and the city needs homes. So it could be the way forward.

"That's something we'll discuss at the task group meeting. I welcome others' views."