Controversial plans to build a superstore on the Brighton station site will go ahead despite fierce protests.

Campaigners claim businesses will lose £19 million when a new Sainsbury's store is built on land next to the railway station.

When the retail giant recently announced it was selling its property development arm J Sainsbury Developments (JSD), opponents hoped to renegotiate the plans with the new owners.

JSD, however, has revealed the store will go ahead as planned.

A spokeswoman said: "We cannot discuss any details of the sale of JSD at this time. We are committed to the Brighton station development and we anticipate it going ahead as planned. Nothing has changed."

Councillors and action group Brighton Urban Design and Development (Budd) want to see more affordable housing and sustainable jobs created on the 20-acre site.

Green convener Councillor Keith Taylor said: "Sainsbury's has said it expects £19 million of trade from the store but that money will come straight from the tills of other Brighton shops.

"What is needed on the site are real jobs for real people who live in real homes.

"I had hoped the sale of JSD would lead to new opportunities for negotiating what is built on the site. I am very disappointed by the company's response.

"It is a great shame but this is not the end for us. We will continue to fight to the end."

Ben Messer, from Budd, said: "This was an opportunity to encourage a rethink, however slim. We will still be keeping a very close eye on this development."

In December last year, Brighton and Hove City Council granted planning permission for the supermarket, a language school headquarters, two hotels, a training centre, a community centre, workshops and homes for 1,000 people.

The proposal was drawn up by the New England Consortium and will mean the closure of the Sainsbury's store in London Road.

Friday September 5, 2003