6:10pm Wednesday 18th February 2009
By Lawrence Marzouk, Local Government Correspondent
The sale of a former city centre ice rink to developers planning a six-storey hotel has been condemned by neighbours.
Brighton and Hove City Council is to sign a deal with an unnamed developer for the Sussex Ice Rink in Queen Square, Brighton, and neighbouring offices.
The proposal includes an 85-room hotel and restaurant, as well as a new pedestrian and bike route connecting the current culdesac with St Nicholas churchyard.
But neighbours, park users and ward councillors have reacted angrily to the move.
Shaun Kiddell, of the St Nicholas Green Spaces Association, said: "We are keen not to stand in the way of progress, but strongly oppose the latest scheme for a five or six-storey hotel.
Former Labour councillor and neighbour Francis Tonks added: "We are concerned about the lack of consultation."
Green councillors said the proposals may be too ambitious for the site.
A council spokesman said residents would be consulted during the planning process.
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