Business leaders have given their support to plans for a £290 million seafront development.

The Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership's official response to the planning application for the King Alfred site on Kingsway, Hove, said the scheme would bring enormous financial, cultural and sporting benefits to the city.

The response, submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee, said: "The new sports centre outlined in the planning application is, by any measure, a stunning addition to the city's overall offer of sports facilities.

"It chimes perfectly with central, regional and local government aspirations to offer sports opportunities to local people that will not only result in a healthier society but also contribute greatly to the general well-being of the population."

It goes on to welcome the provision of affordable housing on the site, the creation of hundreds of new jobs and the extensive consultation developers Karis has carried out with Sussex Police.

The statement added: "The development of the King Alfred site by one of the world's greatest living architects affords the opportunity to provide a centrepiece for Hove that will attract world-wide attention and critical acclaim while, at the same time, removing an eyesore that is well past its sell-by date."

Karis's planning application will be considered by the council's planning committee next spring.

The economic partnership is made up of 38 individuals and companies representing different sectors of the city's economy. It devises Brighton and Hove's economic strategy with the council.