Hundreds of new homes are to be built in a development of Sovereign Harbour.

Members of Eastbourne Council's planning and licensing committee yesterday agreed to allow 26 three-storey town houses, 110 apartments and 22 flats with parking facilities, to be built at two sites at the harbour.

Tory councillor Patrick Bowker, who represents the area, said: "There was some discussion about the usual concerns over not enough community facilities but the vote was unanimous."

Coun Bowker said he and the residents group would continue to push for facilities, including a doctor's surgery, to be built on the site. A report on land adjacent to the harbour was discussed in confidence.

The land has been the subject of an inquiry after DIY giants B&Q had their application to build a superstore on the site rejected.

Residents, who formed an action group, have criticised plans to build hundreds of homes at the harbour at the expense of community facilities.

Member of the Sovereign Harbour Residents Association ) Chris Peppiatt said: "There's no point in building more flats. We have no amenities for anything. The developers won't even consider leaving a plot of land for a community centre."