An architect has stepped in to defend the controversial King Alfred development.

Piers Gough, who is the project's architectural adviser, dismissed opposition to the £220 million scheme as nimbyism fuelled by scaremongering.

He said opposition to the scheme, designed by the internationally-acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, amounted to rejecting an opportunity for Brighton and Hove and losing the chance of having a modern-day architectural treasure.

Mr Gough told The Argus the new complex would complement existing Regency buildings, reflect the spirit of the city and boost the shopping economy in Hove's Church Road.

He dismissed any concern the site in Kingsway, Hove, would dwarf surrounding buildings because its two taller towers up to 75 metres high will be further west towards the larger Victorian buildings in St Aubyns.

He said: "It would be a tragic loss if it was not to go ahead because I think people will be thrilled when it's done.

"Its reality will be so exhilarating and optimistic.

"It is a public building with swimming pools, a sports hall and new squares around it.

"It's going to be great and a wonderful place to visit as well as a wonderful place to live."

The complex comprises a £48 million sports centre and 754 flats.

Mr Gehry is globally renowned for his designs, which include New York's Guggenheim Museum, but the King Alfred complex will be his first in England.

Mr Gough said: "It's a sort of modern architecture that really works with the ambition of Brighton and Hove.

"It's not just a cold place of modernism, it's a very exciting building. It will draw visitors from all over the world because it is going to be such a brilliant structure.

"Shopping will be boosted by the extra people there and I think it will really help the heart of Hove's shopping district, which has certainly lost out to Brighton.

"Before people jump to conclusions, they should look at all the images available, not just the ones from the seafront which have been more frequently published.

"They would then see how it really affects the city's shape and how it features with the existing buildings.

"I think people will be pleasantly surprised as to how it features in the seafront drama."

The plans and images are on display at the Jubilee Library, Brighton, until October 31, when they will be transferred to Hove Town Hall.