Businesses in Brighton and Hove must find room to grow without damaging the environment - and the only way is up.

Writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe, who chairs Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, made the plea at a meeting in Hove Town Hall yesterday.

He told the Sustainability Conference the city had record levels of employment and its economy was enjoying healthy growth.

Speaking at the conference, called Successful Businesses Are Sustainable Businesses, he said the city must be sustainable and environmental but added: "I would hate anyone to believe this means we shouldn't grow the economy."

Because the city was restricted for space, he said there was pressure to build upwards so the economy could prosper.

While the new South Downs national park needed a sustainable boundary, there were some sites that would need to be developed. They would not be golf courses or parks but they were vital for the city.

Mr Fanshawe said developments such as the renovated Brighton Centre, would attract more people into the heart of the city.

Efforts also had to be made to restrict the number of cars and this meant providing park and ride facilities.

There would also have to be some sort of rapid east-west public transport link.

City council leader Ken Bodfish said Brighton and Hove was aiming to be prosperous, socially inclusive and sustainable.

He said: "You can't do one without the other."

The council was taking a lead in protecting the environment but the city needed the support of local businesses.

Councillor Joyce Edmond-Smith, who chairs the council's pioneering sustainability commission, said: "We are never complacent. "

Delegates were provided with an organic lunch containing locally-produced food. Recycling bins were provided and outside, the cycle racks were full.

Tuesday June 24, 2003