Developers have been ordered to redesign a multi-million-pound harbour development because of fears that residents could drown.

The Environment Agency ordered developers to look again at the designs at the Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, after fears that new homes may be flooded. Up to 174 extra homes are being planned as part of the harbour's expansion.

But the agency said the development should be designed to minimise the risk of property collapse and drownings. Members of Eastbourne Borough Council's planning and licensing committee will discuss the proposals when they meet on Tuesday.

Planning officers have given their backing to two applications at the site, one for 83 homes and a network of pathways and another for 91 homes. But the 91-home proposal, by David Wilson Homes, has been altered to meet the agency's concerns.

In a report to councillors, the agency said: "The development lies in an area at high risk of flooding behind sea defences. "It is essential that the development is designed to minimise the chance of property collapse and death by drowning."

Developers have now pledged to introduce a number of changes to the design, including raising the floor level, building a clear pathway to allow floodwater to pass through the site and putting in more facilities for the disabled.

The other application, by Silver Homes, involves two six-storey apartment blocks at the harbour edge. Planning officers praised the development's design. They said "the unique style and imaginative design" would enhance the character of the Sovereign Harbour.

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