It might be Brighton's premier cultural attraction but ministers are prepared to take their chances with the Royal Pavilion should the country come under aerial bombardment.

The former holiday home of the Prince Regent, dating from 1787, has been omitted from a list of buildings and monuments to receive special protection in times of war.

The 54-strong list includes the West Yorkshire model town of Saltaire, the Derwent Valley Mills in Derbyshire, the whole of the city of Bath and 14 museums.

But the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has nominated nothing in Sussex of sufficient value to be covered under the 1954 Hague Convention.

The convention, expected to be ratified during the current parliamentary cycle, allows the governments of its 114 signatories to nominate sites of architectural or cultural interest which must not be attacked in times of war.

Councillors reacted with anger to the omission of the Pavilion from the list, which they said was a snub to one of the finest buildings in the country.

Paul Elgood, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "I can't understand how the Royal Pavilion has been left off. It's the jewel of the South- East."

Conservative councillor Geoffrey Theobald said: "Perhaps they have a view that Brighton is not likely to come under attack because we do not have navy ships or armaments. I would like to see the Pavilion protected - and other buildings as well."

The sites covered by the agreement are now open to consultation and, as a Grade I listed building, the Royal Pavilion is among an extensive list whose views are being sought.

The DCMS is asking whether the list should include all Grade I listed buildings.

However, ministers are concerned the list will be unenforceable if it is too long.

Under the convention, any commanding officer who attacks a building awarded special status would face criminal charges.