A £100m structure which would tower over Portslade has been hailed as a new city gateway helping to create jobs and homes.

But what do the people whose homes would lie in its shadow think?

The 400ft block would dwarf Sussex Heights, presently the tallest building in Brighton and Hove.

The 38-storey building, designed by City Gateway Developments, would also be bigger than the Four Maidens planned for the King Alfred site in Hove.

It would include 200 low-cost homes, a health and fitness club, showrooms, restaurants and a dance centre.

The site forms part of an industrial estate bordering the A259. People who live nearby are being given the chance to have their say via a new web site, www.city-gateway.com Hove and Portslade MP Ivor Caplin said: "This is an excellent regeneration scheme for a brownfield site, bringing much-needed homes, business and leisure space together.

"I am sure it will be popular with locals in Portslade and create a real gateway to the city."

Architect Peter Southgate, of Brighton-based PS Architects, said: "The scheme is designed as a catalyst for Brighton and Hove to become a true city and be both the literal and metaphorical gateway.

"Any new city needs a dynamic and upwardly moving commercial and residential community to be consistent with its aims and aspirations.

"The architectural concept for City Gateway responds to this dynamic with a contemporary landmark design."

Whether it will win over residents remains to be seen.

One of them is mother-of-three Samantha English, 38, who will have a prime view of the tower from her home in St Michael's Road, Portslade.

She said: "I am all for anything which will bring new jobs and facilities into the area.

"I think it is great they are talking about opening a fitness centre and dance studio there.

"One of my daughters already goes to a dance school nearby but the more things there are for people here, the better."

But Sue Connor, 49, of St Peter's Road, said: "I am completely horrified by the size of it.

"I used to live in that area until the houses went to make way for the industrial estate.

"If it was going to be houses again, it would not be so bad but 500 flats is going to bring chaos to the area.

"I will certainly sign a petition against it if one is started."

Jacqueline Smith, 58, of Albion Street, said: "My only real concern is whether it would lead to more traffic problems as parking around here is bad enough as it is.

"They will have to look at providing proper parking for everyone who lives there if it goes ahead."

Another resident in St Nicholas Road, who asked not to be named, said: "It is the wrong place to put such a tall building.

"It would overshadow the small terraced houses that make up this area of south Portslade. It would dominate the whole area."