Proposals for a second runway at Gatwick airport could win the Brighton and Hove councillors' support, if better transport links are agreed.

The Department of Transport is carrying out consultation on airports in the South-East, including Gatwick, where there could be one or more new runways.

The issue will be formally discussed by Brighton and Hove council's policy committee on June 18.

But council officers recommend that councillors support one additional runway as long as better transport links to Brighton are provided.

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "There is potential for further development at Gatwick, which we welcome.

"Brighton and Hove reaps huge economic benefits from having a major international airport close by through jobs, as a European business location and from visitors who come to enjoy our seaside city.

"We have to ensure the region maintains these advantages. But alongside any new development we need a transport corridor into the city with fast rail links, such as that from London Victoria to Gatwick.

"We are discussing with BAA Gatwick the need to extend rail links to and from Brighton."

The officers expressed concern about the potential impact of two additional runways, another option under consideration, because significant improvements would be needed to cope with the increased traffic. It would also put extra pressure on the already high demand for housing.

Gatwick has the capacity to handle 40 million passengers a year.

One additional runway parallel to the existing one would increase this to 62 million and create thousands of extra jobs.

The council also supports the Government's view that Shoreham airport has an important part to play in the development of air transport.

A new plan for Shoreham is expected in October.