Two huge white-knuckle rides, each 40m high, may be refused permission to go on the end of Palace Pier in Brighton.

The Noble Organisation has applied to Brighton and Hove City Council for permission to build the Booster rides.

But planning officer David Vickers is recommending councillors turn down the plans when they meet on Wednesday.

He said the rides, together with the Megadrop, which already has planning permission, would overwhelm the pier head.

The pier company wants to replace two existing rides on the pier head called Ventura and Ranger.

Each Booster ride would have a long arm with seats on either end which spin around and be skeletal in appearance.

There has been a history of problems between the council and the pier company over large rides.

In 1997, councillors turned down applications for rides but they were granted after an appeal.

The inspector who considered the appeals said rides were acceptable to keep the pier viable but said most should be skeletal in appearance.

Noble director David Biesterfield said: "I will have to look at this further but I am disappointed and extremely surprised at the recommendation."