Councillors have given the go-ahead for 60 more houses in a harbour development despite fears they will be at risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency slated plans to build the extra homes at Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, claiming residents' lives were being put in danger by poor sea defences.

Eastbourne Council's planning committee accepted the experts' advice but approved the scheme, subject to flood defence work being carried out.

The harbour development was built in 1992 when, it is alleged, the owners promised to move shingle to build up adequate sea defences.

The Environment Agency says they did not fulfil their pledge, leaving buildings and residents exposed to risk from tidal flooding.

Harbour owner Carillion says it has carried out work to build up defences even though it does not believe it is its responsibility.

McLean Homes, developers of the 60 new houses, has made assurances they will be built to cope with the environment.

Building is expected to start early next year.