AN exclusive private members club and a trio of trendy restaurants look set for the seafront after councillors were urged to accept plans.

London-based The Soho House has proposed redeveloping units to the immediate east of Brighton's Palace Pier, currently occupied by Burger King and the Harvester among other businesses.

The plans have come have in for criticism but Brighton and Hove City Council planning officers have recommended councillors grant permission at a meeting next Wednesday.

The company first put in an application last year only to withdraw it in March following concerns about the impact on sea views.

In the amended plans, the top floor of the development has now been separated into two buildings with a ten metre gap, supposedly allowing unrestricted views to the sea.

If granted permission, the existing buildings will either be demolished or renovated.

The private members club, which will occupy both levels of the development, will have a bar including a games room with snooker tables and table football along with a restaurant and bar.

There will also be a private terrace with sun loungers and a plunge pool with sea views.

A number of restaurants which will be open to the public are also part of the plans including the Chicken Shop, Dirty Burger, Pizza East and a fish restaurant, which will be part of award-winning Gingerman group.

Planning officer Sue Dubberley said councillors should grant permission provided developers pay £50,000 towards transport improvements and satisfy a number of other conditions.

However, 35 letters of objection have already been submitted with The Kingscliffe Society, Brighton Society, Regency Society and the Conservation Advisory Group also against the plans.

Terry Kinsella, who lives in the nearby Van Alen Building, said: "I'm absolutely appalled it has even made it to this stage, it would be a disaster if it got through.

"It is not the sort of development for the seafront on one of the main arterial routes into Brighton. It is something better suited to being on an industrial estate.

"It would completely destroy the ambience of the area. When you come down from the Marina you have a completely clear vista right down to Hove Lawns. You would loose this with the development.

"I don't think many people know about it unfortunately but if it goes ahead next week then there will be howls of protest from local people."

Councillors will decide on the plans at a meeting on Wednesday.