Plans for a multi-million pound sports centre and hundreds of homes are going ahead despite strong opposition from neighbours.

Brighton and Hove policy committee agreed in principle to a complete rebuild of the ailing King Alfred Leisure Centre in Kingsway.

The £23 million scheme will be supported financially by up to 400 homes on the rest of the site costing £38 million.

Councillors heard consultation had demonstrated most people were in favour of the project.

Culture councillor Ian Duncan said there had been overwhelming support.

He added: "It will provide the sort of sports centre Hove and Brighton deserves. There has been a ringing endorsement of the proposal. Of course we will take account of local opposition but we have to take the needs of the whole city into account."

He added that the housing, including 40 per cent affordable homes, would make a vital contribution to the needs of the city.

But Tory opposition leader Brian Oxley said: "This would be the equivalent of placing a small village on the seafront.

"Where are potential residents expected to park and where are they expected to send their children to school?"

Green convenor Keith Taylor said the council should explore the idea of having a not-for-profit company or trust involved.

Liberal Democrat leader Paul Elgood said: "There is little support for the housing option. We don't believe consultation has been fair or just. We will fight this tooth and nail."

A petition with more than 1,300 signatures opposing any housing on the site has been handed to the council by Tory councillor Denise Cobb.

Two opponents, Jan Young and Averil Older, said: "The ruling Labour group rubber-stamped the proposals without any further consultation."

Councillors also decided to change the Local Plan to take account of the proposal.

Vallance ward Labour councillor Simon Battle said afterwards: "I am disappointed that the Local Plan is to be amended to allow an oversized and unsustainable housing development on the King Alfred site."

Now the council will see whether any developers are interested in the current concept.

Steve Callow, who runs Benfield Valley golf course on the borders of Hangleton and Portslade, has voiced his interest in the King Alfred.

He said he had access to more than enough cash to be able to carry out a redevelopment on the site.

He said: "However much is needed, we can fund it.

"You could have a restaurant, casino, swimming pool and sports hall on the site.

"There could also be housing. I am not sure about affordable but I might have to go along with it."

Hangleton Tory councillor Peter Willows said the council should listen to what Mr Callow had to say, as he had the money available.