Experts will advise councillors on the most appropriate sites for skyscrapers.

Brighton and Hove City Council is commissioning consultants to work out a tall buildings policy following concern from English Heritage.

Two applications for skyscrapers are currently before councillors. They are an 18-storey block at King's Esplanade and a 16-storey tower at Preston Road.

City council leader Ken Bodfish said: "We will draw on the experience of similar cities on how good quality buildings have been successfully integrated into a historic environment."

The council is using all available brownfield sites to their maximum potential so that new building does not take unnecessary green space.

Coun Bodfish said: "Inevitably this will mean building at higher densities. In some locations, it will be appropriate to consider higher buildings but we must make sure they will make a positive contribution to the cityscape."

The consultants will be asked to tender for a contract to carry out a analysis of the city, which will involve consultation with organisations interested in tall buildings.

They will look at the demand, possible sites and the impact they would have on areas of the city.

The policy will ensure any tall buildings are landmarks of the city with outstanding design. It will complement the draft guidance on them approved in December, which is currently being used to help determine planning applications.

Environment councillor Chris Morley said: "It is an exciting time for new building in Brighton and Hove.

"We have had a number of submissions from world-class architects for some important schemes."

The consultants' report will be presented to a full council meeting to help form an overall policy on tall buildings.