The Conservatives have promised to scrap plans for controversial skyscrapers if they get into power in Brighton and Hove.

The Tories told the city council if they gained control of the authority in May, the proposals for the prestigious King Alfred site in Hove would be dropped.

Three bidders for the site have submitted ideas, including tall blocks of flats and a new leisure centre.

On Monday, Labour council leader Ken Bodfish told The Argus opposition groups were being small minded in condemning the concepts.

However, Tory opposition leader Brian Oxley said: "His outburst is a bit rich, given that his administration has gone out of its way to ignore the views of others who do not want housing on the King Alfred site.

"People are bound to be concerned when there is talk of Canary Wharf-size buildings on Hove seafront.

"An incoming Conservative administration will not promote this scheme. We will stop it dead in its tracks."

However, a panel of experts set up to improve the built environment in the South-East has warmly welcomed all three proposals.

The South East Regional Design Panel was established by Kent-based independent design advisers the Architecture Centre last year.

It said: "We would like to congratulate the council on the quality of submissions it has obtained. All proposals represent landmark structures with varying degrees of success or interest."

The panel welcomed the fact the projects were presented at a very early stage, stressing they should be assessed as concepts, not finished designs. While there were difficulties with all of them, members had confidence in the ability of the schemes to resolve them.

Coun Bodfish said: "It is encouraging on two counts. It says we are doing all the right things to secure a first-rate scheme. Also it matches our view that we've attracted some very big names with some very good ideas."

Hove MP Ivor Caplin, who examined the proposals yesterday, said he was impressed by all three plans.

He said: "It is absolutely without doubt that these are three stunningly innovative designs.

"The one thing that is clear to everyone is that the site needs to be redeveloped."

The plans will be on display at the King Alfred centre until tomorrow, when they will move to Hove Town Hall until Monday.

Representatives from all the teams will answer questions between 2pm and 7pm on Friday and 10am and 2pm on Saturday.

Artists' impressions can also be seen at thisisbrightonandhove.co.uk/alfred/
Wednesday March 12 2003