A £1million warehouse could rise from the ashes of a building that was destroyed in a blaze.

It is hoped it will replace the Hosiden Besson store, which sparked a major asbestos scare when it burned down last year.

Hundreds of people living near the Victoria Road industrial estate in Portslade, ignored warnings to stay indoors and lined the streets at the height of the fire in September.

They were also warned not to touch debris and ash blown into their gardens by strong winds.

A major operation was launched to clean up the area after it was revealed that concrete roofing panels contained asbestos matting.

A mother-of-two, who did not want to be named, said: "The fire was very spectacular and left ash and debris all over our gardens.

"We were told not to touch anything and to thoroughly wash any fruit or vegetables from the garden before we ate them."

Portslade councillors have welcomed news that the company, which makes mobile phone accessories, could move back on to the site next year.

At the moment it is carrying on its business from a site in Hove.

Coun Sue John said: "It is good to see things moving there and anything that generates employment on the site is very welcome.

"I am also pleased to hear that toxic materials will not be used to build the new warehouse.

"One of the other main concerns local residents speak to me about is problems with parking and traffic.

"As long as those are properly addressed to minimise impact on the area I am sure they will be happy with it."

Coun Steve Collier said he had made a technical objection to the planning application submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council.

He said: "In view of the fire, I want to ensure that the new building is safe and that storage areas are fire resistant to prevent chemicals stored there from being exposed in the event of a fire."

Bosses at Hosiden Besson hope to be able to move into the building early next year.

Steve Drayton, sales and marketing director, said: "If there are no problems with planning permission, the building work should start i n November or December.

"We would be looking to move back in sometime next year but we have yet to decide how many of our staff would be based there.

"We leased the original building from Allied Dunbar, the freeholders, and they asked us if we wanted to stay on the site and what we would like to see there.

"We have coped well with the temporary loss of Victoria Road and business has hardly been affected."