The future of a controversial plan to build a £220 million leisure and flats complex could rest with one councillor.

The King Alfred development, which would include 750 apartments designed by architect Frank Gehry and a sports centre, is approaching the final stages of a process which has lasted more than two years.

Next month Brighton and Hove City Council, which owns the site in Kingsway, Hove, will vote on whether to allow the proposals to proceed to planning committee or send them back to the drawing board.

The last time it voted, in June, members were split down the middle. Six Labour councillors and one Green voted in support and six Conservatives and one Green against.

After Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Elgood abstained it took the casting vote of council leader Ken Bodfish to keep the proposals alive.

On September 12, the policy and resources committee will be given a final chance to make or break the project in its capacity as landowner.

Supporters think accepting developer Karis's proposals is the only way to secure a £48 million leisure centre at no cost to the taxpayer.

Opponents say the complex is too big for the site and will ruin the area.

The outcome could rest with a single undecided councillor. Green Party convenor Keith Taylor, who in June voted against because of fears about the impact on infrastructure, said he had been assured his concerns would be addressed but would make up his mind nearer the time.

His party colleague Bill Randall is expected to vote in favour again.

The six Labour members will vote for and the six Tories against.

Coun Elgood said he had taken council officers' advice and arranged for fellow councillor Dawn Davidson to take his seat next month. She is expected to vote against.

If Coun Taylor votes in favour the tally would be eight for, seven against. If he votes the other way the project would fall. If he abstains, Coun Bodfish would use his casting vote to push the plans through.