Opponents of plans to restore Brighton's derelict West Pier say they're dismayed after the Government announced there would be no public inquiry.

Yesterday's announcement - revealed first on this site - clears the way for work to start on the Grade I listed landmark next year.

Brighton and Hove City Council last month gave planning permission in principle for restoration of the pier and the building of leisure "pavilions" on either side to make the project viable.

Opponents of the scheme, including Save Our Seafront and the Palace Pier, urged the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) to call in the application for consideration.

GOSE's announcement yesterday means the scheme can go ahead.

It told the city council the application did not conflict with planning policies and there were no other compelling reasons to call it in for an inquiry.

Dr Geoff Lockwood, chief executive of the Brighton West Pier Trust, which owns the pier, said: "The global concern about the restoration of the West Pier was displayed fully in the national and international media following the partial collapses earlier this year.

"Plans to meet that concern are in place.A public inquiry into our planning application would have halted the implementation of them."

But Derek Granger, of pressure group Save Our Seafront, said: "I am shocked and dismayed. This was the most controversial plan before the city council in almost a decade.

"There was a huge expression of public dislike, with 15 conservation societies and thousands of individuals objecting. It is a shameful decision and reflects very badly on the Government."