Residents last night demanded more say on the Brighton station site redevelopment amid fears it could become another area of expensive homes for Londoners.

More than 150 expressed concerns over the latest plans for the site next to the rail station, which include 261 houses, a Sainsbury's superstore, two large hotels and a 600-space car park.

The development will mean alterations to New England Street and a change in the Brighton skyline, with some of the housing blocks reaching more than 100ft high.

Last night's meeting at the Brighthelm Centre was organised by campaign group Brighton Urban Design and Development, formed to give residents more say on city development.

There were calls for the scheme to be called in by the Secretary of State or for another public inquiry. Many questioned the need for Sainsbury's to be involved.

Representatives of developer QED and Railtrack did not attend.

David Rudlin, from the design company URBED, said it was an imaginative development which would rejuvenate the city centre.

He rejected claims it would lead to the closure of smaller shops and the Open Market off London Road.

He said Sainsbury's had entered into a pre-planning agreement with Railtrack.

Sandra Deacon, a mother from Queen's Park, Brighton, said: "This development will just mean more people from London moving into Brighton, pushing up house prices.

"I want my children to live in this city when they grow up but they are being priced out."

Graphic designer Erica Smith said: "We do not have a supermarket crisis in Brighton and Hove but we have a housing crisis."