Opposition to a seafront development has forced changes to be made to its design.

Neighbours and conservationists have objected to plans for two new buildings on the Lower Promenade on either side of the West Pier in Brighton.

Developer St Modwen says the leisure buildings are needed to make restoration of the pier viable.

A group called Save Our Seafront has been set up by Clive Buxton, who says the proposals are too large for the area.

Mr Buxton invited St Modwen to give a presentation about the development to his society.

Director Nick Doyle said he would because he believed Mr Buxton had misunderstood some of the plans.

He appealed to the society to give the plans an objective hearing "in the light of the overwhelming local public opinion in favour of restoration of the pier".

Mr Doyle told him: "I think you will be surprised to see how we have positively taken on board your concerns and translated ways of dealing with them in the design."

The dispute has led to a delay in putting in a planning application to Brighton and Hove City Council but plans should still be in before Christmas.

Main concerns of objectors have concerned the height and bulk of the buildings, which they feel will spoil seafront views.

Mr Doyle said: "These concerns have not gone unheeded.

"They have positively been incorporated within the scheme's design.

"I hope we are given the chance to open minds to what I believe is a very exciting opportunity and one that needs action before the pier succumbs to the forces of nature."

St Modwen believes the revised proposal will also meet English Heritage requirements, planning constraints imposed on the site by the council and the Brighton West Pier Trust's views on the need for an authentic restoration of the pier.