Architects behind a failed bid to build an 18-storey landmark tower in Newhaven say they are going back to the drawing board.

Councillors rejected plans to build the £10 million glass and steel skyscraper in Bridge Street,.

Developers Sign of Four hoped the 240ft building would aid Newhaven's regeneration but councillors on Lewes District Council disagreed.

One described the plan as "laughable" while others were concerned it would be nine times higher than surrounding buildings.

Scheme architect for Sign of Four Philip Familoe said: "The committee obviously recognised the development would attract much-needed investment into the town centre area. The decision means we will now have to re-examine our plans.

"We believe the development is the right kind for the site but clearly we will have to do some more work on the plans.

"We thought it was a positive meeting but obviously there is more work to be done."

Newhaven's Liberal Democrat county councillor David Rogers said the new plans should include a library on the ground floor.

He said: "Newhaven's existing library in the High Street is cramped.

"Under the circumstances, the excellent staff do a wonderful job but so much more could be done to make a real contribution to regeneration in our town.

"I urged the developers to have talks with the library service as soon as possible, to explore this exciting possibility.

"If the money could be found, it would make a real difference to this valued and quality service.

"We would have 21st Century library premises with new technology as well as plenty of books, in a strikingly-designed 21st Century building."

Friends of Newhaven Library also support the idea of a library.