Campaigners have launched a last-ditch attempt to rescue a historic concert venue.

Alaska Development Consultants want to turn the Grade II listed Brighton Hippodrome into an eight-screen cinema.

The £20 million plans will be considered by Brighton and Hove City Council next month.

But a grassroots protest group called Our Brighton Hippodrome has launched an online petition and facebook campaign to block the plans.

The petition has so far attracted more than 1,200 signatures.

Earlier this year, council planning chiefs asked the developer to provide details on how listed elements of the building in Middle Street will be protected.

Developers said work on the scheme could start next summer A spokeswoman for the campaigners said: “No one so far has tried to produce a scheme for restoration for its real purpose- live performance. It would be a national scandal if the opportunity to save the Hippodrome was squandered because of misinformation and short-term gain.”

Chris Moore, development manager for Alaska, said “Following a comprehensive and thorough period of design development and extensive liaison with the local planning authority we are extremely excited that the plans to restore life back to the Hippodrome have now been submitted.

“The plans have developed well through widespread collaboration and Alaska feels that the solution is one that all parties can be proud of. The design team, led by Russ Drage Architects, has worked tirelessly to create a proposal that satisfies the extensive requirements involved with a scheme centred on such a well-loved, listed property like the Hippodrome.

“The proposed development will not only safeguard the future of a fantastic old building for many generations to come, but also enhance the significant cultural and entertainment offer in this vibrant city”.