Port bosses have launched a bid to store more potentially explosive chemical fertiliser near a stretch of celebrities' homes.

Up to 2,800 tonnes of ammonium nitrate could be stored at Shoreham Harbour, close to Western Esplanade, if Shoreham Port's bid is successful.

It has officially applied to Brighton and Hove City Council for consent to store the material, which can explode if it catches fire and was used to devastating effect in some terrorist bombs.

The port already stores up to 1,000 tonnes in a transit shed on the inner layby wharf and wants to increase the amount it handles.

Celebrities who live on Western Esplanade include Norman Cook - alias DJ Fatboy Slim - and his wife Zoe Ball. The £1million villas are also home to actor Nick Berry and until recently Heather Mills McCartney.

The Argus revealed yesterday that Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue was interested in buying a property on the strip, nicknamed Millionnaire's Row.

A letter has been sent to Adur District Council on behalf of some Western Esplanade residents objecting to the plans. Letters have also been received from people living outside the harbour in Southwick and from the Southwick Society.