The result of the Portobello Inquiry into Southern Water's plans to upgrade its sewage treatment works at Telscombe Cliffs should be ready next month.

Environment Secretary John Prescott and his ministers are close to announcing the results of the proposal to build the £60 million project on the beach.

The announcement will come a year after the inquiry in Peacehaven.

A spokesman for his department said: "Hopefully we will be able to make an announcement within a month."

It should herald the end of one of the most contentious planning issues in East Sussex in recent years. Whatever the result, the debate will continue.

If Mr Prescott decides against building at Telscombe and goes for a treatment works at Newhaven or at another site, then there may have to be further inquiries.

Southern Water is legally bound to build an upgraded treatment works somewhere between Brighton and Newhaven so it can discharge cleaner waste water from the Brighton area into the sea to comply with tough new regulations.

Planning inspector Simon Gibbs conducted the long public inquiry into the Southern Water project between November 1999 and February 2000 as a result of East Sussex County Council's refusal to allow construction.

There were 44 witnesses during the 43-day inquiry. His recommendations were delivered for the final Government decision in December.

It had been thought the inquiry result might be delayed by a High Court ruling when action under the Human Rights Act was taken.

It was successfully argued Mr Prescott was not truly independent and he might be affected by his own policies in making the final decision whether a development should go ahead.

The Government is appealing to the House of Lords.