This is how a new marina, which would create 1,000 jobs, could look.

A shopping piazza, cafs and restaurants could line the waterfront on what is now the Lady Bee Marina at Southwick. A fitness centre and new businesses would also be part of the development.

The Shoreham Port Authority project would boost employment and the economy in an area which includes Fishersgate, with its high unemployment one of the most deprived parts of Sussex.

However, objectors fear the development would bring traffic chaos and put pressure on already overstretched services and housing.

Trevor Mee, 62, owner of La Cala Spanish restaurant, is objecting because his lease is not being renewed and his prospects for the future are uncertain.

He has run the popular eaterie for 16 years. He said: "At my age I thought I would be able to retire and let my children run the family business.

"The port has said there is a possibility we could be found somewhere but there is nothing concrete to say where we will be going. But looking at the drawings, the development as a whole looks like it will be quite good."

Some residents fear the new marina will add to problems on already congested roads.

Mrs Jean Washington, of Southwick Street, Southwick, said: "This is the only through road in the area.

"We are against anything which puts extra traffic on this street. I have lived here for more than 70 years and nobody drives carefully anymore."

Her concerns are echoed by Brighton and Hove City Council. It has objected to the scheme because of the impact extra traffic could have in Hove. Shoreham Port Authority has submitted an outline planning application for the development to Adur District Council.

It comes after more than six years of negotiations about the site on the north bank of Shoreham Harbour, one of the biggest brownfield sites in the South.

Its potential as a major site for thousands of new homes, businesses and leisure facilities is outlined as part of the Shoreham Maritime vision for the area.

The new marina, if approved, would be built in five phases starting with an access road.

It would have two areas for boats including a new eastern marina and a reconfigured western marina.

A colonnaded courtyard area is planned, surrounded by offices, shops and restaurants. There would also be bases for high-tech businesses, a fitness centre and more shops.

Adur council has received 49 letters from residents and community groups objecting to the plans.

Among comments are: "Any more traffic using the A259 will lead to gridlock with surrounding roads becoming rat runs," and: "The need for a link road to the A27 is essential or a tunnel to the A27 is required before any development begins."

Objectors say the existing chandlery buildings which house La Cala and GP Barnes should be kept because they provide a historic link to the shipbuilding industry.

Another objector states: "There is more a shortage of staff rather than jobs in this area. Bringing in businesses from outside will exacerbate the problem. The additional one thousand jobs will add pressure on the existing housing market.

"The plans do not provide analysis to show that the take-up of new jobs would come from local unemployed people or even local people currently employed outside the area."

However, the plans also have supporters. Southgate Residents' Association said: "Anything that will create jobs, particularly in Fishersgate, would be a step forward."

A resident who has lived in Underdown Road, Southwick, for 40 years said: "The proposals are the best news for the town since the opening of Southwick Square. The town should be alive, not a museum." South Coast Power, which operates Shoreham power station also supports the plans.

The application is being recommended for approval when Adur's planning committee meets on Thursday. A report to the committee states that it would bring, "considerable regeneration benefits" to the economy.