Opinion is divided on Brunswick Developments' plan for a 40-storey tower at Brighton Marina.

Brunswick managing director Andrew Goodall believes the building - the work of architect Jim Eyre, who designed Newcastle's Millennium Bridge - would be a landmark structure for the marina.

But like other schemes for tall buildings which have cropped up across the city, it has sparked concerns.

Some fear such an imposing structure would overshadow everything around it.

Ken Bodfish, Labour leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, welcomes the plan.

He said: "I am pleased to see another imaginative set of proposals coming forward for the city.

"It is very encouraging to note the schemes we are beginning to see incorporate the ideals the city council has been promoting.

"In particular, these include linking job creation to training programmes, mixed developments which integrate 40 per cent affordable key worker housing and a sustainable approach to building, transport and energy efficiency."

Writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe, who chairs the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, said: "It looks like a good step forward.

"Andrew Goodall has produced a workable kind of scheme."

But he said Brunswick Developments, Parkridge and the developers of the ice rink planned for Black Rock needed to get together to plan a co-ordinated approach to the harbour, tackling the most pressing problem of transport.

Mr Fanshawe added: "It is fantastic that in this city people come to the table with good and exciting schemes.

"Andrew Goodall has stepped right up to the plate."

The skyscraper would be built on the beach south of the David Lloyd Fitness Centre.

Mr Fanshawe said this was sufficiently far from the cliffs to be acceptable and added: "I live nearby and I am excited by it."

He said the tower would be one bookend for seafront developments and the other would be at the King Alfred.

But Garry Peltzer Dunn, Tory opposition leader on the council, said: "I cannot justify this sort of development.

"It will encroach on the skyline and ruin outstanding views.

"They are trying to squeeze in as much as possible."

Rottingdean Coastal ward councillor David Smith said: "These flats of up to 50 storeys will be far too high. I will oppose anything that goes above the level of the clifftop. Even the lower blocks of up to 14 storeys will be too big."

Coun Smith said he was not against more development at the marina but it had to be co-ordinated.

He said the number of extra people in this proposal alone would create a strain on parking and traffic.

Green Party convenor Keith Taylor said: "It is a bold proposal but we are not ready to say yet whether we support it. We are pleased there will be extensive consultation."

Coun Taylor said the project could have a big impact on the local infrastructure. He welcomed the 40 per cent low-cost housing and plans to accommodate a rapid transit system within the scheme.

Liberal Democrat group leader Paul Elgood said: "This is an exciting proposal which could significantly build on the good progress made at the marina in recent years.

"Transportation is a big issue, as indeed will be the height of the tower and public access.

"Any proposals need to be made in sympathy with the views of local residents.

"However, this site is unique in the city and perhaps could be suitable for such an innovative development.

"It will certainly put the marina on the map."