A controversial multi-million-pound scheme to redevelop one of Brighton and Hove's biggest brownfield sites has been given the green light.

The Government has stamped its seal of approval on plans to transform the Brighton station site from waste ground left derelict for more than three decades into a thriving development.

The decision clears the way for hundreds of new homes for more than 1,000 people, two hotels, a language school headquarters, offices and a Sainsbury's supermarket - without a public inquiry leading to further delays.

Proposals for the site have faced widespread opposition.

Campaigners have been less hostile to the latest draft of the scheme but some are still disappointed the scheme was approved.

Last month, the Government Office for the South-East gave encouragement to protesters by taking more time to consider the £150 million plans.

This week's decision will put to use railway land which has remained idle since the days of steam.

The urban village concept has the backing of Network Rail, which owns most of the site.

Now only a judicial review, considered unlikely, or failure to complete a legal agreement could halt the scheme.

Project manager Chris Gilbert, of developers QED, said: "This is great news. We hope to make a start on the site in mid summer."

Brighton and Hove city councillor Bob Carden, who chairs the planning committee, said: "I'm pleased. It shows the decision we reached was probably the right one."

Green convenor Keith Taylor said: "I think the council has sold the city short. We have no alternative but to accept a bad job."

Coun Taylor, who represents St Peter's ward, was one of the strongest opponents of the scheme as a member of Budd, Brighton Urban Development and Design.

He said: "The council has put the needs of big business before those of the people it is supposed to represent."

The decision means the station site will no longer be an issue at the long-running public inquiry into the Local Plan.

The scheme is one of the biggest in Brighton and covers a 13-acre area between the terminus and New England Street.