Don't forget the starlings - that's the plea from the Government's conservation watchdog English Nature to planners considering the West Pier proposals.

Brighton and Hove City Council will tomorrow look at plans to restoring the derelict West Pier and put up shoreline 'pavilions' to help fund the project.

The pier is home to one of the biggest starling roosts in Britain, with about 50,000 making their home there.

Roger Matthews of English Nature said: "We do not believe the importance of the visual spectacle of the starling roost to the people of and visitors to Brighton has been properly recognised.

"It has become, and could become more so, a recognised feature of the city."

Mr Matthews proposes simple supports for the starling roost should be put in place if the pier is redeveloped.

English Nature welcomes the commitment by developer St Modwen to provide finance for the cleaning and maintenance of the existing peregrine falcon nest box on Sussex Heights, near the pier, and to provide another box on the flats.

This is necessary because the proposed redevelopment of the pier will effectively reduce the peregrines' nesting sites from two to one.

Mr Matthews said of the starlings: "The visual spectacle produced as the birds come in to roost over the sea and swirl around the pier is considered to be of very high value to and by the residents of and visitors to Brighton and Hove.

"The display can last up to an hour and involve more than 50,000 birds.

"With the backdrop of the pier, the sea and the setting sun, it is arguably one of the most visually impressive wildlife spectacles in Britain."

Planning officer Hamish Walke said a study was needed on the impact of the restoration on the birds.