Plans for a unique housing development in Hove have divided opinion about whether they are exciting or disastrous.

Karis Developments and Southern Primary Housing want to build 22 flats at Church Road and Connaught Road in Hove.

The scheme, which includes a five-storey block and a slender eight-storey tower, has several unusual features.

There is no car parking on the site, a high proportion of affordable housing and nine shared ownership schemes, two of them for disabled people.

Neighbour Paul Constable, of Connaught Road, told the city planning committee he felt the scheme would be ugly.

Professor Stephen Adutt, of the RH partnership, said it had been carefully designed to fit in with Connaught Road. He added: "Brighton and Hove should have the confidence to have good new architecture in the city."

Labour councillor Pat Hawkes said: "This is an outstanding design for the 21st Century. We should be courageous and approve this."

Tory councillor Carol Theobald said it was good architecture in the wrong place.

Councillors approved the scheme in principle by eight votes to four.