The deadlock between developers and residents fighting plans for up to 260 high-rise flats at Sovereign Harbour has been broken.

Campaigners opposing the huge development in Eastbourne have been trying to meet developer Redrow Homes since approval was given in August.

Now the High Wycombe company has agreed to a meeting with residents after Eastbourne's Tory MP Nigel Waterson intervened.

He helped to secure a face-to-face discussion with residents fearful the plan will turn the important site into a sprawling housing estate.

Mr Waterson said: "The regional chairman of Redrow has agreed to meet with me and representatives of the residents in the near future so they can voice their concerns."

Campaign group Sovereign Harbour Against Redrow Plans hopes to take the decision to judicial review in an attempt to overturn or amend the plans.

Residents donating £50 each have so far poured several thousand pounds into a fund to pay the legal costs of the review, which has to be lodged by the end of the month.

Campaign secretary Brenda Hilliam said: "We want to show the strength of opposition."