Two senior members of an influential conservation group face being thrown off its committee after publicly backing the Brighton Marina development.

Former Labour councillor Delia Forester and retired hotelier Audrey Simpson have been accused of undermining the Regency Society's opposition to proposals for 1,300 new homes in the marina by appearing at an inquiry into the plans last month.

The 370-strong society will now hold an extraordinary general meeting and secret vote on Friday, February 5, to decide whether to force the pair to step down.

The group is the most respected authority in the city on conservation issues and has often been a key voice on controversial plans since its formation in the 1940s. Brighton and Hove City Council's planning department regularly consults it on proposals.

In a notice circulated to all members, the Regency Society said Ms Forester and Mrs Simpson had undermined its position while giving evidence to the planning inspector who will decide whether to allow seven housing tower blocks, along with shops and offices, to be built at the current site of Asda at the marina.

Both spoke in favour of the plans, while saying they were from the society, despite the group itself being strongly opposed.

Yesterday the pair said they had done nothing wrong and would contest the vote.

The planning inspectorate is expected to make a recommendation to either permit or refuse the Brighton Marina plans to Communities Secretary John Denham by the end of March.