A planning expert involved with controversial proposals for 1,300 homes at Brighton Marina has admitted photographs used in public consultation were inaccurate.

Richard Coleman, the head of townscape planning for the proposed scheme, yesterday insisted the majority of inaccuracies were mistakes, while the rest made the pictures more illustrative.

He was responding to last week's accusations from Brian Simpson, the leader of conservation group Save Brighton, who claimed images of the impact on local views were deliberately deceptive.

Mr Simpson highlighted subtle changes which seemed to show the "before" pictures had been manipulated to show the marina in a bad light, while the "after" images portrayed the proposals at their best.

Speaking at the inquiry into Explore Living's plans for seven tower blocks, including the 28-storey Marina Point,Mr Coleman said any inaccuracies had not stopped the photos from helping the public to understand the appearance of the proposed complex.

The plans were turned down by Brighton and Hove City Council last December despite city planners recommending approval.

The inquiry is due to finish in two weeks.

Communities Secretary John Denham will make a final decision in March at the earliest.