Architects Aros from London are putting forward plans for a beautiful new pier in Brighton and Hove, looking to the future rather than the past.

They have suggested one location as the site of the West Pier which currently lies sad, charred and falling to pieces in the sea.

But a restoration plan has been approved and will be put into place if three legal objections from the Palace Pier can be overcome.

Only if the current plans fail should the modern pier be considered on this site and then none of the National Lottery money would be available.

It might be better to launch this concept on a site further to the west, such as in the proposed revival of Shoreham harbour.

The new pier, which would float on the water rather than stand over it, sounds exciting. Now is the time to find out if it is practical and viable.