Campaigners fighting to save a wildlife haven are to get feedback from Brighton and Hove Council on their plans to turn the area into a stepping stone to the Downs.

They say Benfield Valley is a vital link between the urban sprawl of Brighton and Hove and the countryside.

Wilsco owns the valley and wants to turn the listed Benfield Barn into a £2 million pub and restaurant run by Bass.

Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group is hoping the site will become a centre for nature, arts, crafts and exhibitions.

Members want to make use of the valley's location close to the Downs.

The group aims to organise nature trails and events such as dog training, horse dressage, sheepdog trials and other activities.

The council is to tell residents and group members what it thinks of their green ideas at a meeting today.

The meeting is at Hove Park Lower School, Nevill Road, Hove. There will be a second meeting on Sunday.

The council has carried out a survey to find out what residents want for the future of the valley. Almost 5,000 replied to the survey. Sixteen per cent wanted the barn to be a community and environmental centre.

The centre would be aimed at walkers and tourists, providing them with information about the area, the walks and the wildlife.

The council has only invited residents who said they would like to join a community forum on the future of the valley to today's meeting.

Hove and Portslade MP Ivor Caplin has backed residents by saying further commercial development would not be in keeping with the character of the area and against the views of local people.