A scheme dubbed "Poohaven" by its opponents could deposit raw sewage into the sea every 50 years.

Brighton and Hove city councillors yesterday agreed to support Southern Water's plans to build a new waste water overflow pipe from Black Rock to a £200 million treatment centre at Peacehaven on the condition more research is carried out to see if the pipe can extend further out into the sea.

Their views will be included as part of a public inquiry into the plans, expected to be carried out next year.

Councillors heard the pipe is likely to be used once every 50 years when the coast is hit by extreme storms.

The waste deposited into the sea would be 98 per cent rainwater and two per cent sewage.

The plans have angered residents but the Environment Agency has not raised any objections to the level of sewage.

Councillors also heard Southern Water had not taken global warming into consideration.

Green councillor Sue Paskins said: "I am concerned this has not been taken into account. We will get so many more storms and if it overflows once every ten years then we are heading for a problem."

Councillors were also concerned about the appearance of a pumping station on a traffic island in Marine Drive, Brighton. The station, the majority of which is underground, would be the only visible part of the scheme. They want its roof covered in sedum or at least painted green.

Councillor Lynda Hyde said: "Whatever they say about the overflow, I don't believe it is going to be once every 50 years, it will be more frequent."

The councillors questioned why the overflow pipe could not extend further into the sea but were told it would become blocked by sand and shingle.