Newly unveiled plans for a £300 million development at Brighton Marina has provoked a fiery debate among visitors to The Argus's website.

Explore Living, the residential arm of construction giant Laing O'Rourke, is planning to build 1280 new flats in five separate complexes at the western end of the marina.

That is in addition to the Roaring Forties skyscraper being built by Brunswick Developments, which includes 850 new apartments and has already won council approval.

Readers voiced concerns over the strain on Brighton and Hove's road and school systems from the thousands of people who move into the scheme's new homes.

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Richard, from 'Sussex by the sea', said: "The view to the cliff should be just that, 'a natural view' not concrete, glass & light pollution.

"As for the local road network, where will all the cars go?

"I was born in Brighton, have lived on it's borders all my life and now i'm not sure if I like the place anymore."

Mark, in Brighton, asked: "Can someone tell me what school the people living in the marina will go to?"

Arnold Tempest, from Brighton, wrote: "So, 4,080 flats and only 60 per cent will have a parking space.

"That's 1,632 cars that are going to have to park in Kemptown then. I bet people living round the hospital who already find it impossible to park will be delighted!"

Peter, also from Brighton, said: "What a shame the Brighton Marina Act wasn't watertight.

"It was originally intended to prevent over development on this scale.

"It just shows what a bunch of clever lawyers and shed loads of money can achieve - the ruination of our landscape."

But others have hit out at a 'not in my back yard' attitude they claim characterises opposition to proposed developments elsewhere in the city.

Rob, who described himself as "Brighton born and bred" said: "We've had it with the Gehry Towers, the new Library, Falmer Stadium and the Brighton Eye. Just for once, will the NIMBYs please just keep quiet and let this development pass?"

Richard, in Hove, wrote: "It looks absolutely stunning.

"Just look at other modern high rise developments across the UK, they all look attractive. This is not a return to the 60s monstrosities we acquired during that period, these are high quality buildings."

Mark, from BN3, added: "The marina needs a statement building to give it a presence. In its current configuration it is just a bleak area with a few mid-market chain restaurants and failing shops.

"This proposal will put the marina on the map and give people the homes they demand. We need to improve public transport to the development to ensure it thrives."

Craig A said: "Come on be brave and make Brighton a city to be even more proud of. Face up to it, we are living in the 21st Century not in the 19th. Nimbys please shut up this time, you're killing this city."

The plans are on show in the information centre in The Octagon at Brighton Marina 10am to 4pm until Friday.

* To add your voice to the debate visit our website www.theargus.co.uk.