Two tower blocks of student accommodation will be built in a disused car park just metres from the American Express Stadium.

Plans for the 555-bedroom project were initially refused by Lewes District Council but an appeal from developers saw the decision overturned.

The council said at the time that the “incongruous” buildings would “compromise the transition urban environment of Brighton to the South Downs”.

It also said that the overall negative impacts of the design outweigh the benefits, however planning inspector Graham Wyatt has now given the plans the green light but did say he recognises there are still some concerns.

The Argus: How the buildings will lookHow the buildings will look (Image: Lewes District Council)

Mr Wyatt said that while he accepts the building will be “at odds” with the curving Amex stadium, it will not “detract from the wider area”.

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“Additionally, whilst close to its boundaries, the site is located outside of the South Downs National Park,” he said.

“I accept that the development is likely to benefit Brighton more than it will benefit Lewes.

“However, it is evident that Brighton by far has the greatest need to prevent family housing being lost through the conversion into smaller units, flats, or housing in multiple occupation for students to occupy.”