This is the first artist's impression of a controversial DIY superstore planned for an exclusive harbour site at Eastbourne.

There has been uproar at plans by B&Q to build the store near the Crumbles Retail Park at Sovereign Harbour.

An application by the firm and Gazeley Properties was rejected by Eastbourne Borough Council in May, despite officers' approval.

B&Q wanted to build a garden centre, builders' yard and 540-space car park, seven times the size of its Hampden Park store.

The application was turned down when councillors heard residents' concerns about round-the-clock deliveries, traffic, noise and pollution.

But an appeal has been lodged with the Government, with a public inquiry to start in February.

The Sovereign Harbour Residents' Association met at Haven School in Atlantic Drive to view the proposals.

Many insist the store would blight the prime harbour site and drive down property prices in the area.

No one from B&Q was available for comment.