Dozens of cyclists have been told they are not welcome at one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the country.

The managers of the private land on which Brighton's £14 million Jubilee Library was built have made it clear their vision for the area "does not include lots of bike racks".

The library is in the heart of the North Laine shopping district - a hugely popular area for cyclists - yet there are fewer than ten racks next to the library in Jubilee Street and none in the Jubilee Square development.

Cyclists have reacted furiously.

Sue Paskins, a city councillor who represents the area, said: "It's absolutely outrageous.

"What is the point of having a library that is a completely and utterly sustainable building if people can't use sustainable transport to get there?

"The few racks that are there are always full and there are bicycles attached to posts nearby so it is self-evident people want to cycle there.

"Journeys by bike have gone up by 47 per cent in Brighton and Hove since 2003 and we have been chosen to be a Cycling Demonstration Town and yet we can't put racks outside our library."

The library, which draws most of its heat, light and ventilation from sunshine and sea breezes, opened a year ago.

Designed by London-based Bennetts Associates and Brighton's Lomax, Cassidy and Edwards, the building has won a host of architecture awards for its eco-friendly design.

The reason for the lack of racks came to light when Dean Spears, Brighton and Hove City Council's walking and cycling officer, told a community meeting in North Laine last week the council was told by the Jubilee Square managers it couldn't install any more.

Mr Spears said: "Their vision for the square does not include lots of bike racks. We wanted to put up more but the square has special status and the managers do not want us to install them.

"It's very unfortunate because the library is a place where cyclists want to go."

Ian Davey, manager of Hove-based cycling training organisation Bike For Life, said: "It's very disappointing. Lots of people have raised this with me.

"The library is a prime flagship development, in the heart of the city, next to the Royal Pavilion and the New Road development.

"It's so important it has lots of bike racks."

Adam Pride, secretary of Brighton cyclists group Bricycle, said: "You would think the council would push more on this.

"You could easily double the amount of racks without impinging on the look of the square."

The council is trying to renegotiate with the Mill Group, the developers who manage the library and Jubilee Square for Norwich Union's Public Private Partnership Fund.

Under the terms of the Private Finance Initiative the council leases the library back from the developer and will eventually take over ownership.

A council spokesman said: "There is a good deal of cycle parking located nearby and we are working with the developers to identify suitable additional sites for more cycle parking.

"It's certainly the case that our vision for the square is that it will eventually be used for a whole range of activities and events, including festival events, so any plans for additional bike racks will have to take these future plans into account."

A spokesman for the Mill Group said: "We worked in close partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council to deliver a facility that exemplifies environmental sustainability and community regeneration. Cycling is a crucial part of driving these goals.

"Extensive dialogue and consultation have taken place to provide ample bike racks on the adjacent Jubilee Street and by Prince Regent's Swimming Pool, also adjacent to the library.

"Placing racks in Jubilee Square would reduce space available for community functions and deprive Brighton residents of a valuable public space that benefits the community as well as compromising disabled access."