A retired lecturer has been in talks with heritage experts about his futuristic vision for an eco-friendly pier.

Senior figures at English Heritage were so impressed by plans submitted by Arthur North for the West Pier in Brighton they sent a conservation expert to meet him.

During a two-hour meeting they discussed the 88-year-old's proposal for the dilapidated pier to be reborn as an eco-friendly solar structure called the Peace Pier.

The modern design could include a covered walkway, electric transport leading to a seawater spa and jetties for boats.

The expert took Mr North's diagrams back to English Heritage for appraisal and told him to expect a decision by September.

Mr North, an environmental design consultant, of Hartington Road, Brighton, said: "They are seriously considering the idea and seem very interested.

"To me it looks very positive.

"Even if they don't use my design completely they look set to combine it with another idea."

Mr North was a leading lecturer in architecture at the University of North London and designed the solar dome house and glass garden house, with solar panels, which appeared in the Daily Mail's Ideal Homes exhibitions in the Seventies.

He is eager to make a contribution to Brighton after moving to the city four years ago.

The plan has been inspired by fears over fuel shortages and pollution.

Mr North said: "We are over-consuming electricity, which is polluting the environment and rapidly becoming more expensive. I calculate consumption will exceed supply in five years' time.

"At that time, solar energy will come into its own.

"My design for the pier will provide revenue for the city by generating electricity, which could be sold and the money pumped back into the community."

Extra cash could also come from the Government. By using solar power, the project would be eligible for a 60 per cent grant.

Mr North's vision of the pier is of a peaceful oasis, complete with plants, pools and waterfalls.

It would be a place for quiet relaxation, with a walkway covered by solar panels which would open automatically in hot weather, and a venue for entertainment.

The Peace Pier would stretch out to sea on the existing metal skeleton of the pier, which Mr North says is a sound structure.

He said: "I want it to be a therapeutic place, with a seawater spa and conservatory for relaxation.

"It could also include a landing strip for ferries from France."

Mr North favours turning the pier into a modern structure rather than returning it to its former Victorian glory.

He said: "My solution is very economical and it will benefit the children of the future."

A spokeswoman for English Heritage confirmed representatives had met Mr North and were considering his and others' ideas.

She said: "We are taking them into consideration and factoring them into all the options for the West Pier.

"We have a September deadline to announce the results of this process."