Business leaders have set out a radical vision they say is vital to securing Brighton and Hove's future as one of the world's most prestigious and prosperous seaside cities.

The Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership last night unveiled a blueprint for change, recommending high density urban housing development, city centre wardens and even a study into congestion charging.

The report, called The New Era, was prepared over 11 months with council officers and representatives of every business sector in the city. Its authors say it will bring improvements to all aspects of city life, including transport, arts, affordable housing, skilled workers and new developments.

Tony Mernagh, executive director of the Economic Partnership, said: "There's a will to progress but the rest have to come on board. There are some councillors who are not looking far enough into the future. Given the challenges for the south-east we cannot afford to hang around. We have to establish ourselves as quickly as we possibly can."

The partnership, which is drawn from the business community and public and community sectors, has no direct powers over the future direction of the city. But its proposals could play an important role in shaping the policies of decision makers on Brighton and Hove City Council and other public bodies.

Simon Fanshawe, chairman of the partnership, said: "All of us have the chance to contribute to the generation of more and greater economic success, higher quality of design, less traffic, less waste, more original invitation to visitors and an increase in Brighton and Hove's entrepreneurship and ambition."

Mr Fanshawe said the city would have to face up to the inevitability of further development rather than dismissing all new proposals as over-development.

The strategy calls for action to tackle a huge shortage of affordable, good quality homes which is making it difficult for local families to get on the property ladder.

It suggests shared-ownership schemes, with companies and businesses buying properties to rent out to employees.

It proposes an increase in housing density where appropriate and an acceptance of tall buildings.

The report highlights the need to transform the Lewes Road and London Road areas of Brighton and to make decisions about the future of Toad's Hole Valley, Coldean Belt, Comart and Shoreham airport.

It also stresses the importance of enabling small, independent traders to continue to survive in Brighton's North Laine area.

It says Brighton must promote itself as a major centre for heritage and culture, a hub for media and creative activity and a serious and successful place to do business.

The report highlights the need for a community football stadium and says the cultural quarter in the city centre - identified by the council last March - must be developed and transport co-ordinated with city events.

The report recommends a city centre warden scheme, improved street lighting and action on graffiti and rubbish to reduce the fear of crime. It also identifies transport as a major problem. There are about 80,000 commuter journeys by car every day in Brighton and Hove and many of the roads leading into the city are ill-equipped to deal with such heavy traffic.

The strategy says building a park and ride scheme enabling drivers to leave their cars in an out-of-town car park and take a bus into the city should be the top transport priority.

It also calls for an investigation into the impact of congestion charging, moves to further increase the number of people using bus services, expansions at Shoreham and Gatwick airports, the development of a high speed bus system to take passengers from the outskirts of the city to the centre and better promotion of the City Car Club.

Mr Fanshawe said: "We want to create a safer, less congested and less polluted city. A park and ride is inevitable and improved train services are essential."