THE controversial old Patcham Court Farm site in Brighton is to be earmarked for high-tech and office use.

It has been agreed in principle by Brighton and Hove Council's property committee, though councillors were warned there could be problems at the planning stage.

There was jubilation from neighbours last summer when plans for a Waitrose superstore and a park-and-ride scheme on the site were abandoned.

It is highly likely any new application will be called in for a public inquiry by the Government because although marooned by roads, it is technically in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Assistant environment director Sheila Holden said the design of any building would be crucial in such a high profile site.

Tory leader Geoffrey Theobald, a Patcham councillor, preferred an alternative scheme for a travel lodge.

He said: "People do not want to see some ghastly shed which would be a big eyesore."

But Labour councillor James McGinley said it was possible to have good design of high-tech buildings.

Councillors were told one local firm was already interested and could provide up to 300 jobs, six times the number any hotel would have.

Labour councillor Alan Pratt said: "It is the jobs element that has swayed us."

Economic development head John Packman said: "I want this to be a flagship for Brighton and Hove, a beacon indicating that this is an important place for work."

He added that plenty of existing high-tech companies wanted to expand and there was a shortage of good sites near the bypass for them.

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