Council officers jumped the gun in saying a choice had been made to shortlist two developers for a flagship site.

On Thursday, they said the choice would be between CDHA and Urban Catalyst for the Preston Barracks site off Lewes Road, Brighton.

But it turns out that this is only a recommendation by Brighton and Hove City Council chief executive David Panter for the prestigious site.

The final decision will be taken by members of the policy committee at a meeting on Wednesday.

As the council is under no overall control, there is no guarantee the recommendation will be approved.

A spokeswoman said: "We omitted to say that the recommendation is to go to the committee on Wednesday and would like to make this clear."

In a lengthy report, officers suggest a choice should be made between the two contenders next year.

If that is agreed, the unsuccessful developers from a shortlist will be RokEagle and Urban Life.