A low-level building with imaginative illuminated sculptures could provide the key to the development of the West Pier.

Architect Nick Lomax claims to have a planning solution which would help save the Brighton pier.

National Lottery money has been made available to help restore the West Pier, a Grade I listed building.

But developers St Modwen and the Brighton West Pier Trust say two large shoreline buildings are needed to help make the scheme viable.

A planning application is expected shortly for the leisure and retail buildings, on either side of the pier.

However, neighbours and conservationists are worried parts will be above the level of King's Road and are urging Brighton and Hove City Council to reject the application.

Mr Lomax is managing director of Lomax Cassidy and Edwards, Hove-based architects who, with Bennetts Associates, have designed the new central library for Brighton.

Two years ago, the firms designed a pier development which extended its deck on to the roof of low-level buildings.

The design was not chosen because it did not comply with the brief.

But Mr Lomax said it could form the basis of a new scheme.

He said: "There are problems with the current design."

Mr Lomax said his scheme would provide the same amount of space for the development and would retain the present access for pedestrians on the Lower Promenade.

He said there would have to be ventilation shafts for some buildings, which he suggested could be disguised by illuminated sculptures.

Sue Paskins, of Save our Seafront, which has opposed the St Modwen scheme, said the ideas were worth serious consideration.

Dr Geoff Lockwood, chief executive of the Brighton West Pier Trust, said St Modwen would welcome all comments.