More than 250 new homes will be built at a harbour development in Eastbourne despite fears they will be at risk from flooding.

Eastbourne Council has approved three sets of plans from different developers to build at Sovereign Harbour.

They agreed to the building of 188 flats and 87 houses on the North Harbour of the expanding development.

The move has been criticised by the Environment Agency, which says the site is at risk of flooding because the sea defences are inadequate.

But the council says it wants to attract new families to the town and believes the new houses will be safe from floods.

They are concrete at ground floor level and living accommodation only starts on the first floor.

David Stevens, head of planning, said: "Some comments were raised about the risk of flooding but the plans have allowed for that.

"Many of the houses are designed with the floor level lifted so any tidal water will flow through from the sea into the North Harbour. It will not damage the houses.

"The Environment Agency expressed concern but precautions have been taken.

"This is a brownfield site earmarked for development and these homes will be an investment."

Peter Midgely, Sussex area manager of the Environment Agency, said: "Obviously these houses have prior planning permission so there's little we can do, but we had asked the council to consider the plans for longer before making a decision.

"We wanted time to work with the harbour owners, Carillion Plc, so we could be assured the homes would be safe."