The developer behind the controversial plans for Brighton Marina have been accused of trying to dupe planners with “deceptive” artists’ impressions of the scheme.

Brian Simpson, from the Save Brighton conservation group, yesterday claimed Explore Living had moved clouds, shadows and even the sea in before and after pictures of how the complex would affect neighbours’ views.

He was speaking at the planning inquiry into Explore Living’s plans as it entered its third week yesterday at the Brighton Centre.

The developer’s plan for a complex of seven tower blocks, with housing, offices and shops on the existing site of Asda, the marina car park and McDonald’s, was rejected by Brighton and Hove City Council in December 2008, despite being backed by city planners.

Mr Simpson used a slideshow to show how subtly different photographs had been used to make the existing marina look bad and the development more impressive. He described them as a “deception” and said the pictures had been manipulated to support the developer’s case by conveying the impression that nearby residents’ views would be less severely affected than they feared.

Dozens of city residents had a chance to voice their views about the plans at the inquiry last week. Today the Brighton Marina Residents Association is due to present its case against the proposals.

The inquiry is due to conclude in early December.