A council scheme to stop rock falls from a set of chalk cliffs and reopen a popular walkway will be decided at a public inquiry.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has called in plans to stabilise the cliffs at Black Rock, Brighton, following requests from conservation groups.

Brighton and Hove City Council wants to fit rock bolts and wire mesh to the cliffs to try to stop rock falls that have closed the Undercliff Walk.

The cliffs are protected as a site of special scientific interest.

Watchdog English Nature, which has been in talks with the council for more than a year, said the work would damage a "unique geological time capsule".

The famous raised beach section of the cliffs has been studied by generations of scientists and students.

Bob Carden, who chairs the council's planning committee, said it had been a dilemma.

He said: "We felt there was a need to keep the walkway open and the works were needed so people could walk safely but I well understand the other side."

No date or venue has been fixed for the hearing.