Pioneering plans for an environmental building known as an earthship have been approved.

The application was made by Brighton Permaculture Trust for a site at the nurseries in Stanmer Park.

It was recommended for refusal by Brighton and Hove Council planning officers because of the building's effect on an area of outstanding natural beauty.

But the planning committee voted in favour of the structure, a centre for groups in a set-up called Stanmer Organics.

The earthship will be an energy-efficient, earth-sheltered structure built from materials such as glass and worn tyres.

It will provide meeting and office space, plus toilets, for the environmentalists who at present do not have them on site.

Liberal Democrat councillor David Watkins said: "I find this extremely exciting. But it is lucky the Eden Project in Cornwall did not come in front of our planning officers."

Planning head Maggie Brian said access to the site was poor.