DEVELOPERS have promised 950 new homes at Brighton Marina will be for locals and are in keeping with the rest of the city.

Early designs for phases 2 and 3 of the Outer Harbour Development will be revealed today in a two-day public consultation exhibition held at the Malmaison hotel in the marina.

Changes have been made to previous plans with a tower being reduce in height by almost half.

Developers ICG Longbow and Brighton Marina Group appointed the architects Squire and Partners to prepare revised plans to replace the existing planning consent for the south western part of Brighton Marina.

A spokesman for the developer said: “Our proposals look to improve the existing planning permission, including high quality, new private and affordable homes targeted to the UK market, specifically those who live and work in Brighton.

“Our vision is inspired by the city of Brighton and Hove itself, ensuring a strong sense of place and belonging within the wider context of the city, particularly referencing the numerous green squares and crescents along the city’s waterfront, as well as the Georgian townhouses which bound them.

“Public space in the development is to be increased significantly, carefully designed to suit the exposed location, creating a new destination within the heart of the marina. Proposals include clear pedestrian routes throughout the site and the retention of the western breakwater for public use, open to all.”

The water and energy-efficient development proposal includes approximately 950 apartments, with a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes, including affordable homes.

A tower has been retained from the previous planning consent to serve as a beacon within the new community, but has been reduced in height significantly, bringing it down from 40 storeys to 28.

A spokesman said: “The new homes within the development will make an important contribution to meeting the need for new housing in Brighton & Hove, where demand from all income levels has consistently outstripped supply.

“The high quality homes, which have access to private and publicly accessible gardens, are designed to be affordable by individuals, couples and families living and working in Brighton.

The spokesman added: “Our vision is to create housing and public spaces which set a benchmark for the future development of Brighton Marina.

“We intend to deliver high quality apartments as well as the amenities and infrastructure necessary to make a genuine and balanced community flourish.”

People are invited to a public drop-in exhibition to view the designs, meet the design team and share their views at 4pm to 8pm today and 1pm to 5pm tomorrow at Malmaison hotel.