A DIY firm is appealing against refusal of its plans for a large superstore at a marina.

Council planners rejected an application for a B&Q warehouse near the Crumbles Retail Park at Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, in May.

But B&Q and developers Gazeley Properties have called for a public inquiry which will be held early next year.

Residents who campaigned against the proposals vowed to keep up their protests.

Chris Peppiatt, of Sovereign Harbour Residents' Association, said: "We're not going to let this drop.

"The last thing we want is for visitors to be faced with a huge B&Q. It will ruin the area."

The new store would include a garden centre, builders' yard and 540-space car park and would be seven times the size of the Hampden Park B&Q.

The firm claims 500 jobs would be created.

But opponents fear round-the-clock deliveries would cause traffic, noise and pollution and hit house prices.

The Sovereign Harbour Against Rogue Planning action group handed in a petition of more than 1,500 names opposing the scheme.

Planners refused the application in May despite being advised to say yes by planning officers.

They feared the town centre would suffer and the store would use up land ripe for other developments creating more jobs.

One, Councillor Mary Pooley, said: "There's very strong opposition from residents and you can't blame them.

"It may create jobs but that could be at the expense of jobs in other areas."

But Don Morgan, planning director for Gazeley, said: "We're confident the reasons for refusing permission will not stand up.

"Council officers have said there will be no significant effect on the town centre. We agree with them."