A controversial Moulin Rouge-style cabaret club has been thrown out by city councillors.

Neighbours feared plans for the Tivoli Club in Western Road, Hove, would create parking problems, litter and blight house prices.

Others objected on moral grounds but councillors were told these could not be grounds to reject a planning proposal.

However, Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee voted 9-1 against the plans.

Only Bob Carden, who chairs the planning committee, voted in favour of the conversion of the building into a cabaret club.

Councillors paid a site visit to the former cinema and amusement arcade close to the border with Brighton.

Council officers had previously backed plans for the Tivoli Club, believing it would enhance the character and appearance of the Brunswick Town Conservation Area.

Residents mounted a strong campaign against the scheme.

People in nearby Cross Street, Little Western Street, Farman Street and Norfolk Road had already objected to the plan, believing it would down-grade the Brighton and Hove border.

They feared it would cause late-night disturbance and could attract crime and people with "unhealthy interests".

Dale Evans, for applicants Colmaart Enterprises, stressed the proposals were not for a night club, disco or super-pub.

They were for a cabaret club with a smart restaurant, attracting people aged between 28 and 50.

There would be door staff and 90 per cent of people would arrive by taxi or courtesy bus. The applicants were prepared to donate £10,000 towards closed circuit TV in the area.

Maarten Hoffman, managing director of Colmaart Enterprises has already tried to reassure locals the club would attract a "well-to-do" clientele, with membership costing £10,000 a year and a high standard of behaviour expected.

He has denied the club would bring noise, drunkenness and anti-social behaviour to the area.

Ward councillor Paul Elgood said when a public meeting was called, all 50 people present were against the proposal.

Since the public meeting, the company compromised on initial plans to open until 2am six days a week. Instead it said it would open to midnight from Monday to Wednesday and 1am on Thursday and Saturday.

Brunswick Liberal Democrat councillor David Watkins said there was a village atmosphere that would be disrupted by the proposal.

Police objected to the change and Green councillor Sue Paskins said colleagues should heed their advice.

Labour councillor Kevin Allen said people were already worried about problems with crime and disorder in the area.

Tory councillor Lynda Hyde said the scheme should be refused because of its impact on the area.