An expansion plan has been approved for a key Sussex port.

Lewes District Council approved the expansion of Newhaven Port at a meeting earlier this evening.

Councillors voted seven to two in favour of the expansion with one abstention.

François Jean of Newhaven Port Authority said regenerating the port was "critical" for also regenerating the town of Newhaven.

Lib Dem councillor Peter Gardiner spoke up in favour of port expansion while Green councillor Tony Rowell rejected the plans along with Conservative councillor Jackie Harrison-Hicks.

The plans involve redeveloping Newhaven's East Quay by demolishing part of the East Pier structure and refurbishing the existing multi-purpose berth while also building a new multi-purpose berth and slipway at the southern end of the East Quay.

The work is also due to involve dredging the existing channel leading into the harbour by deepening and widening it so bigger boats can get in and out.

This work will also involve dredging a berthing pocket alongside the East Quay.

As a knock-on, the dredged seabed would be used to level off a backshore area as a new Land Development Area (LDA).