Animal rights campaigners yesterday won a partial victory after plans for seal and penguin pools were put on hold.

Brighton and Hove city councillors deferred making a decision on the £250,000 proposals for the Sea Life Centre in Marine Parade, Brighton, while details about railings around enclosures and disabled access are finalised.

Fears visitors could throw rubbish into the two pools, which would house two common seals and up to six penguins, were raised at yesterday's planning meeting.

Green councillor Georgia Wrighton said: "I was very encouraged by the number of animal welfare questions councillors asked."

Protesters gathered outside Hove Town Hall as councillors made their way into yesterday's meeting. A petition signed by 1,200 people was handed over. Campaigners jeered while aquarium manager Toby Forer spoke in favour of the plans.

Protesters said the busy and noisy site would be unsuitable for the animals. Councillors were reminded animal welfare was not an issue they could take into account when making planning decisions.

The seals which would live at the centre have been bred in captivity so cannot be released into the wild.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Forer said: "We are looking at a short delay but we have got to do what is best for the creatures to secure their long-term future and the long term future of the Sea Life Centre.

"I still don't think the campaigners understand what the Sea Life Centre is about. I wish they could see that our morals are good and we are not trying to build seal prisons."

As well as building two extra tanks, the Sea Life Centre plans to revamp two Victorian kiosks at the entrance to the site, build a rock and water feature, and create a disabled exit.

The application is expected to be discussed at the planning committee on April 26.