An £80 million plan to complete a harbour development has been given the go-ahead - with hopes it will create 1,500 jobs.

The plan will turn Eastbourne's Sovereign Harbour into a “top visitor destination” with new employment opportunities, new homes and supporting community infrastructure.

The plan, which was proposed in November last year, has been unanimously approved by Eastbourne Council.

The agreed plan will bring forward employment-generating activity including offices and other commercial development, 150 new homes and a range of facilities including a community hall, a park and two further significant open spaces.

Sovereign Harbour Limited expect the investment generated by the approved plans to be in excess of £80 million and there to be potential for the creation of 1,500 jobs.

A spokesman for Sovereign Harbour Limited said: “We are delighted that the plan has been unanimously approved and we now look forward helping the vision come to fruition.”

The proposals were drawn up by Sovereign Harbour Limited and were consulted on by Eastbourne Council, the residents of Sovereign Harbour and a working group of local representatives.

The working group included the area's MP, war councillors and the Sovereign Harbour Residents' Association (SHRA).

Jan Weeks, SHRA chairman, said: "This consent is the result of a considerable amount of work by a number of people.

“I'm more optimistic about the future of Sovereign Harbour than ever before.

“The SHRA team is looking forward to working with the borough council and the developers to create the sustainable community that residents have been waiting so long for."

Stephen Lloyd, Eastbourne MP, said: "After two years of numerous meetings and negotiations I am delighted the group has come up with a vision for the Harbour which will provide local residents along with the whole of Eastbourne and beyond a wonderful place to live, work and relax, a good job well done."