New plans for the restoration of the West Pier in Brighton were revealed today after a major consultation exercise.

The proposals are said to constitute a "major redesign" of the project.

They include a reduction in the controversial 'enabling development' - commercial buildings at the landward end of the pier designed to make the project viable.

A spokeswoman for developer St Modwen Properties and the West Pier Trust said the revised proposals had been backed by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), who called the revised plans "a significant improvement".

The enabling development will be reduced in size by nine per cent and there will be a larger gap between the proposed pavilions east of the pier.

The proposed east and west pavilions have been redesigned, as has the 'deck' area at upper esplanade level.

A model of the revised plans will be on public display on Saturday September 28 from 10am to 5pm at the West Pier Trust office.

Residents who are unable to attend can make an appointment to see the model by calling 01273 321499.

Dr Geoff Lockwood, Chief Executive of Brighton West Pier Trust, said: "The consultations have been intensive and extensive. They have taken a full year and the outcome has been productive.

"The Queen of Piers has been living on hope for too long. The revised proposals deserve to replace hope by action."