A 40-storey skyscraper which could soar above the seafront has been backed by planners.

The 420ft tower is the centrepiece of a £235 million proposal for 853 new homes in 11 buildings at Brighton Marina.

The development, dubbed the Roaring Forties, is a reworking of a proposal which councillors rejected in August last year.

A report from Brighton and Hove City Council, published yesterday, recommends the application from Brunswick Developments be granted planning permission subject to certain conditions.

The design team spent months back at the drawing board to come up with the latest proposals, which include a public viewing gallery on the top floor of the tower with stunning views of the coast.

Other features include a swing bridge allowing people to walk or cycle all the way around the marina for the first time, and a smaller bridge across Black Rock beach giving easier access.

There will also be seven restaurants and bars.

Each of the four reasons for refusal insufficient amenity space, lack of on-site Parking, overly-dominant buildings and overdevelopment have been addressed in the latest application.

Additional features include indoor and outdoor children's play areas, a doctor's surgery, a teenage chill-out area, a multi-purpose sports court, a boules and bowling green, a community room and increased residents' gardens and public outdoor space. Parking has been increased from 176 to 496 spaces against a reduction in homes from 988 to 853.

Three buildings have been removed from the north of the scheme and the height reduced in the centre section.

The developed area of the site has been slashed by a third.

The report states that the changes and improvements go beyond what was required to address the reasons for refusal.

Andrew Goodall, managing director of Brunswick Developments, said: "I'm pleased our changes have been well received and hope they are sufficient to allow the members to approve the plan this time.

"The scheme has been developed to contribute to the city as a whole and we feel that the marina will continue to go from strength to strength."

The city council's planning sub-committee will hear the application at Hove Town Hall at 1pm on Friday.