Opposition to a controversial beachside development near Brighton's West Pier is coming from as far away as California.

Retired business executive George Spowart and his wife Kate, who live near Los Angeles, were horrified when they learned of a plan by developer St Modwen for two large 'pavilions' on either side of the West Pier.

The company and Brighton West Pier Trust say a development of this scale is needed to provide cash for restoring and maintaining the Grade 1 listed structure.

But Mr Spowart warned Brighton could start "waving goodbye" to many tourists if large beachside buildings started going up.

He said: "Your lovely town has many attractions but there's no doubt that one of its greatest assets is being an ocean-side resort.

"Tourists love strolling along the front and looking out towards the ocean. They don't want their views blocked by buildings.

"It would be sure to have an adverse impact on tourism in my opinion."

Mr Spowart said the plans were "almost beyond belief".

He asked: "How can anyone even contemplate erecting buildings of this size which would ruin the ocean view from the upper promenade?

"I'm furious about it and I live thousands of miles away. So I can certainly understand the anger there must be locally."

Mr Spowart and his wife, who have made many visits to Brighton, were stunned when they read about the proposed development.

Mr Spowart added: "Some crazy planning decisions are made in the US at times but I can't imagine anyone in California ever getting permission to restore a pier by erecting huge buildings to block the view and ruin the ocean-front."

Mr Spowart said: "California is blessed with a large number of beautiful seafronts and beaches but Brighton, in its own way, is a match for any of them.

"My wife and I thought on our first visit how wonderful it was.

"But it won't stay wonderful if large beachside buildings are permitted."