Plans to pull down a pub and replace it with housing were expected to be approved by councillors today.

Developer Wadefield has applied to Brighton and Hove City Council for outline consent to demolish the White Admiral pub in Bevendean which has been closed since being hit by floods in 2000.

The scheme includes 23 flats.

A 640-name petition opposing the loss of the area's only pub has been sent to the council.

If the scheme is approved, councillors will impose a condition that a community room is built as well.

There will also have to be a legal agreement for £25,000 to be provided by the developer to fund a raised kerb and a bus information board at the nearby bus stop.

Planning officer Pete Johnson believes the community room would meet some of the objections about the loss of a meeting place.

He added the nearest pub was a long way from the White Admiral, up a steep hill.