Up to 125 jobs could be created at Brighton Marina if a new development gets the go-ahead.

But first, Neilson, an offshoot of Thomas Cook, has to beat opposition to a proposed new base.

If its planning application is approved tonight, the firm will move into the upper floors of a new office building.

Neilson is involved in booking and chartering marine holidays, so it is keen to have the Marina as a base.

It has chosen Brighton despite low-cost space being available at the group's offices at Gatwick Airport.

A Brighton and Hove Council economic development spokesman said: "Any unforeseen hitches in the delivery of this site could still result in one of the alternative locations being chosen.

"This is a project that has important potential benefits for the local economy.

"The character of the Marina location is a major factor in the company's decision to locate here."

Plans by Premier Marinas are for the two upper floors of the building with 1,900 square metres of space to be let to Neilson while nine shops and offices on the ground floor will be offered individually.

The application involves demolishing the boat shed. There are strong objections from boat users.

They say many berth holders are already leaving Brighton for Sovereign Harbour at Eastbourne because amenities are better there and the new development would only accelerate the process.

People living in this part of the Marina also say the new offices could cause disturbance to them.

But Premier Marinas says improved amenities are being offered at the site, including better pontoons and a 20-ton mobile crane.

This will be able to carry out work such as lifting engines, previously confined to the boat shed.