Birds of prey will be encouraged to make their home in Frank Gehry's planned £290 million leisure complex.

The proposals for the King Alfred centre on Hove seafront contain space for nesting boxes for peregrine falcons.

It is one of several measures aimed at boosting the complex's sustainability credentials.

Developer Karis said the project, which includes 754 flats, had been designed to produce between 20 and 25 per cent less carbon emissions than the level permitted under current building regulations.

Energy-efficient technologies built into the development include the use of solar power.

The sports centre would use combined heat and power technology generated by renewable bio-diesel fuel in place of nonrenewable fossil fuels.

This would save about 50,000kg of carbon emissions every year - the equivalent of 50 family cars driven for 10,000 miles.

The proposals would also seek to minimise water consumption by using recycled water to flush the sports centre toilets.

Josh Arghiros, managing director of Karis, said: "From day one, Frank Gehry and the design team have focused on reducing the carbon footprint of the King Alfred redevelopment. We have ensured that energy efficiency is built into the design and that the right and most sustainable solutions are in place to meet energy demands."

Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee is expected to vote on the scheme by the end of May.