Plans to build a supermarket in Newhaven have split town councillors.

Newhaven Town Council's planning committee voted three-two against supporting proposals for a Lidl supermarket on the site of the disused Haven foundry in New Road.

But former Newhaven mayor and planning vice-chairwoman Lynne Austin is disappointed she was outvoted and feels strongly the supermarket would be good for the town.

She said: "I hope they are able to build on the land because it is contaminated and Lidl have said they will clear it for us.

"Similar applications such as Sainsbury's and Brewers Fayre have been good for the town.

"I feel very strongly about this and I think the majority of people agree. People against it have said it will not help Newhaven but what doesn't help is the business rates.

"Lidl would bring more employment to the town."

Councillor Jo Lewry, who proposed rejecting the plan, said another out-of-town supermarket would not benefit Newhaven.

She said: "We already have Sainsbury's and that has not done Newhaven any good."

The council will send its recommendations to Lewes District Council, which will make the final decision in a few weeks' time.

The German-based supermarket chain has 365 stores around the UK, including Eastbourne and Brighton.