Businesses have applauded a decision to give a 40-storey skyscraper rising above Brighton Marina the go-ahead.

The 420ft tower, dubbed the Roaring Forties, will be the centrepiece of a £235 million development which on Friday won planning permission from Brighton and Hove City Council and should be built by 2012.

The tower, designed by award-winning architects Wilkinson Eyre, will be the tallest apartment block in Sussex and will have a public viewing gallery on the top floor.

Mark Froud, chief executive of Sussex Enterprise, said the decision was fantastic news for the city.

He said: "This is an example of everyone working together to achieve what's really good for Brighton and Hove.

"It sends out a very strong message that the marina is worth investing in and visiting. It says we are about the future and not about the past. The marina got a lot of investment 20 years ago but it has got shabby since."

A swing bridge will connect two breakwaters at either side of the marina, allowing people to walk all the way round it for the first time.

A second bridge over the beach at Black Rock will connect the site with Madeira Drive, allowing easier access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Eleven buildings, including the 40-storey skyscraper, will provide 853 homes, 341 of which will be affordable. Other features include a multi-purpose sports court, a boules and bowling green, children's play areas and public outdoor space.

The scheme, spearheaded by Andrew Goodall of Brunswick Developments, is a reworking of proposals unexpectedly rejected by councillors last November.

Kay Metcalfe, manager of fashion accessories shop Bijoux at the marina, hoped the plans would inspire people to open more decent shops at the marina.

She said: "There is not enough variety and there are a lot of empty shops. There's only one clothes shop for men and there's not enough down here to keep people amused for the whole day."

Wednesday, July 5, 2006