Plans for a multi-million pound development on Brighton and Hove's biggest brownfield site have been put on hold by the Government.

Brighton and Hove City Council agreed in principle to back controversial plans to redevelop Brighton station site last month.

But regional planners have told the council not to give the project planning permission without special authorisation from the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott.

The Government Office for the South East (GOSE) said it wanted more time to consider whether there should be a public inquiry into the application.

Opponents of the scheme have repeatedly said there should be a full inquiry.

They claim the project, which includes a supermarket, two hotels, offices, a language school and hundreds of homes, would generate traffic and attract shoppers from nearby London Road.

Among opponents are Brighton Urban Development and Design (Budd), North Laine Community Association, the Brighton Society and the Green Party.

Ben Messer, of Budd, said council policy on the site had not been decided and it would be premature to grant the development planning permission.

The station site will be discussed at the ongoing public inquiry into new council planning guidelines, which resumes next month.

Mr Messer said: "It is sensible on the part of GOSE, it is right it is being put on hold. How can you judge the development proposal when the policy is not in place?"

Green councillor Keith Taylor said: "I am very pleased to hear GOSE is still considering requests to call in the decision and hold a public inquiry."

The 20-acre station site has been derelict for 30 years.

Council planners voted eight to two to back the urban village redevelopment in principle, proposed by the New England Consortium.

A council spokesman said the hold-up was a formality and GOSE and the Deputy Prime Minister's office were entitled to ask for more time.

The project's backers said the scheme would be one of the most environmentally friendly in England and 30 per cent of the houses and flats would be low-cost homes for people on low incomes.

There would also be a replacement station car park with 600 spaces on two levels.