A DJ and scout for Fatboy Slim's record company is spearheading a campaign against plans for an eight-storey block of flats on the seafront at Rottingdean.

Villagers are fighting the proposed development on the site of a £700,000 luxury home.

The property is being sold for demolition by newly elected parish councillor Harold Williams, who is also chairman of the Rottingdean Trades, Business and Professional Association.

Andy Mac, who works alongside Hove DJ Norman Cook for Skint Records, has been appointed spokesman for the Whitecliffs Action Group.

The top DJ's mother owns one of the properties that will be overlooked by the proposed tower block.

Mr Mac, who is credited with helping shape Brighton and Hove's image as a capital of cool, said "I spend a lot time in this village and this block, which will be higher than the surrounding flats, is totally out of place. It will spoil a lovely village."

The site is next to the long stay car park off the main coast road with access via Mr Williams's driveway off the main A259 south coast road.

Petitions against the plans have been signed by hundreds of residents and visitors to the village.

A permanent site where residents and locals can sign a petition has been put on the village green.

Hundreds of walkers taking part in Sunday's Rottingdean Windmill Walk signed petitions and a hastily arranged protest meeting against the development was attended by more than 150.

The application for the circular block of luxury flats with tinted glass and solar panels at the top is already with city planners.

Mr Williams said: "As far as I am concerned I put my house on the market like anyone else as my wife and I want a smaller place as the family has grown up and left home.

"In no time, three or four developers were showing an interest.

"This development is too high and myself and my wife Valerie have both signed the petition against it."

Monday July 14, 2003