An eco-complex where residents of each of 34 flats will be given an electric bike to ride has been granted planning permission.

The four storey beige block, with brightly coloured panels and a roof clad in solar panel material, will be built in St James's Street, Brighton, above a proposed new Tesco Express store on the corner of Dorset Gardens.

The street level walls will be decorated with panels featuring artwork by residents of the area.

Members of Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee last night (Wednesday, March 18) voted unanimously to approve the scheme.

They were told the Tesco Express plans had been delayed because changes were being made to the planned appearance of the store.

The shop, which will take over the old Bewise and Superdrug branches, was originally due to open in January.

The flats will replace an eyesore single storey building above the store.

The developers Boho Green will be required to contribute £44,945 towards schools, £22,700 for transport infrastructure, £25,000 for public art and £57,521 to public outdoor recreation space.