Hundreds of campaigners are expected to attend a meeting about controversial plans to build a huge B&Q store at an exclusive harbour site.

Eastbourne Borough Council has convened the planning meeting at the Winter Garden Theatre on Thursday instead of the town hall because of massive opposition.

B&Q wants to build a 90,000sq ft warehouse, garden centre and builders yard at Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, the UK's largest marina complex.

But harbour homeowners say Eastbourne is already well-served by similar stores, including B&Q, Wickes, Focus and Homebase, and want this latest application turned down.

It is the second application B&Q has submitted for the harbour. Three years ago, the company had a bid to build a bigger store on the same site rejected after householders issued a hands-off message to developers.

B&Q wanted to build a garden centre, builders yard and 540-space car park on the prime site, making it seven times the size of the Hampden Park B&Q.

However, it was turned down when councillors heard a 1,500-name residents' petition raised concerns about deliveries, traffic, noise and pollution.

Members of the 600-strong Say No To B&Q lobby group are incensed B&Q is pressing ahead with its latest plans despite widespread opposition and sweeping nationwide cuts.

It emerged last month that it was shutting 22 stores and converting 16 of its large warehouses into smaller units, threatening hundreds of jobs.

It also announced that 400 staff are to be laid off at its head office in Southampton.

The meeting starts at 4.30pm.