A COUNCIL leader has broken his silence about why he is not backing a bid to save Sussex's crumbling seafront.

Calls for Brighton and Hove City Council to apply for World Heritage Status have come from the city’s heritage commission, but Councillor Warren Morgan has told The Argus it is "an absolute non-starter" as it could cost too much at £500,000.

Last week we revealed that Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission is drawing up a UNESCO World Heritage status bid for the promenade, stretching from Arundel Terrace to Hove Lawns.

Politicians and businesses have urged Brighton and Hove City Council to support the bid with officials in Blaenavon, Wales, and the Derwent Valley in Derbyshire both telling the newspaper how the status has put them on the map.

But the council has ruled itself out, arguing it could cost too much and hamper its own plans for the seafront.

Talking to The Argus for the first time on the issue, the Labour and Co-operative Councillor for East Brighton said: “I know that those backing an application for UNESCO World Heritage site status have the best interests of the city at heart, but they and councillor Geoffrey Theobald, Caroline Lucas and Simon Kirby should check their facts before weighing in.

"I find it hard to believe the bidding process takes 10 years, but that's what I'm told, and that's the main reason [the council is not vying for the status]."

According to UNESCO, The UK was last reviewed in 2011 so it would be 2021 before Brighton and Hove could go up against other UK sites, including the Lake District, in competition for World Heritage status.

A spokesman said the bid would cost the city and the taxpayer half a million pounds.

Coun Morgan said the council has plans of its own they hoped would be released to the public within "a matter of days".

He added: “Even if we were successful, being awarded World Heritage Site status would not mean we have automatic funding to restore places like the Madeira Terraces.

“It could mean that replacing buildings like the Kingswest and King Alfred, alongside much needed new homes, are blocked.

“I'm not prepared to wait six years and gamble half a million on getting a label which won't help pay for seafront repairs.

“I want a solution that pays for restoration now and that's what we are working on.”

Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission would not comment when contacted by The Argus yesterday.