Development will continue at Brighton Marina after campaigners lost their battle to have a judicial review over the construction of 11 tower blocks.

Approval was given for the project in 2006 after years of debate and work began on the first two buildings at the end of 2013.

Brighton Marina Action Group member Robert Powell claimed the area was never intended to be a high-rise, high-density housing development.

His appeal for a judicial review was rejected by Appeal Court judges.

Mr Powell said: "I am disappointed that the Court of Appeal has ruled that the development next to West Quay cannot be challenged.

"However, in relation to the rest of the development the judgement is helpful because Brighton Marina Company has admitted - at long last after ten years - that they are not allowed to carry out their plans with the consents that they have.

"The result could be seen as ‘a draw’. The developer has won on Phase l. We have a partial victory and have made significant inroads in relation to Phase ll which would have a much more substantial impact if it were to proceed.

"The judgement is not entirely satisfactory since it does not give certainty on the outcome but it significantly changes the position on the tallest tower."

The 11 apartment blocks range in height from six storeys to 40, with a total of 853 flats. Phase one of the development is already underway and is due to be completed by 2016.

This includes the two apartment blocks which will consist of 195 flats, 20 of which will be affordable housing, an RNLI building and yacht club, and seven new restaurants.

The development is all on reclaimed land inside the marina.

In December, a High Court judge gave Mr Powell permission to appeal against an earlier judgment that blocked a judicial inquiry into the building of high-rise towers in the marina.