Campaigners have saved a rugby clubhouse from council plans to lease it to a privately-run nursery.

But they fear their efforts could be in vain unless community groups interested in using the space come forward.

Brighton and Hove city councillors have voted against planning officers' recommendations to change the disused clubhouse in Hove Park into a nursery.

The proposals angered nearby residents who believed the deal would have set a precedent allowing public land to be used by private businesses.

Jill Gunn, of Goldstone Crescent, Hove, said: "That was stage one of the battle. Now we are at stage two.

"I am pleased it has been refused but that does not mean to say anything is successful until we get it used by the community.

"It could meet many needs - from mother and toddler groups to whist drives for old age pensioners. It has very good access for disabled people too."

The council, which owns the land, decided a nursery was needed in the area and put the contract for its management out to tender.

The successful applicant, Chris Gallagher, of Surrenden Crescent, Brighton, would have leased the land from the council for 20 years.

The scheme would have involved fencing off 320sqm of the park and creating a nursery for up to 46 under-fives.

The land, originally part of the Stanford Estate, was sold to the city council in 1899 for £14,000. Next year marks the centenary of its opening.

Pam Martin, 39, of Goldstone Crescent, believed the deal would make part of the park exclusive.

She said: "It was a sensible decision not to turn it over to a private business and section off part of the park which should be for everybody to use.

"The council should be looking at what uses they could put the clubhouse to. A toy library or something like that would be perfect."

She also raised concerns cars would be allowed in the park.

The mother of two said: "The nursery would have wanted access into the park for parents to drop off their children. We cannot just have cars racing through there.

"It is just not right. We want to continue to enjoy the park and use it as it is."

Stanford ward councillor Jayne Bennett led the campaign to save the clubhouse being leased and spoke at Wednesday's meeting.

Coun Bennett said: "I was pleased the application was refused. It was a sensible decision and shows public concern can make a difference.

"The building does need to be used as some type of community or sports facility but setting a precedent by fencing off an area of public parkland for the benefit of a private business was clearly wrong and went against the wishes of many park-users.

"I hope this idea is firmly off the agenda."

Mr Gallagher now has the right to appeal against refusal.

A council spokeswoman said: "The concern of the council, as this building is in a public park, is that the building is now vacant and is starting to be vandalised.

"Therefore the council wants to see it brought back into community use. A nursery, whether run by private or public means, is considered a community use."

The Friends of Hove Park hope to meet council officials to discuss alternative uses for the clubhouse.

They are asking groups interested in using it to email hoveparkra@hotmail.co.uk or contact them on 01273 557283.