This was to be the site for a £70 million international arena.

But now council chiefs have confirmed the derelict seafront site will have an alternative use a car park for coaches ferrying tourists to the city by the sea.

It is a long way from much-awaited plans to transform Black Rock, Brighton into an 11,000-seat concert hall, with two ice ricks, shops and restaurants.

As developers continue to search for funds, Brighton and Hove City Council believe it would be better to use it as a temporary place for coaches to park.

In submitting a planning application for the changes, bosses admitted the development is “at least two years away”.

But opposition councillors have questioned just how “temporary” the plans, which are thought to cost about £100,000, will be.

A council spokesman said: “The planning committee will look carefully at it and make its own decision weighing the importance of coach travel to the city’s tourism scene. “It would be a temporary permission as the site is earmarked for the indoor arena and ice rink.”