Striking details of a controversial £220 million leisure and housing complex have been revealed.

A rainbow of lasers, a sandy beach complete with lapping waves and multi-coloured jets of water shooting through the air are just a few of the features planned for the leisure pool at the King Alfred development on Hove seafront.

Brighton and Hove city councillors have called the facility first-class and said it would be one of the leading leisure centres in the country.

They were told of the plans at a private briefing with developers Karis and HOK Sport yesterday.

HOK Sport director John Barrow and Jim Glymph, architect Frank Gehry's partner, answered councillors' questions.

Councillor David Smith said: "The leisure facility would be a world leader."

One of the indoor sports halls would have space for six tennis courts and 500 seats. There would be a smaller sports hall, a fitness suite and a health suite with a steam room and hot tub.

Coun Smith said: "It sounds amazing. You go inside and there are all these stairs going to different levels on every floor.

"There would be a plateau of steps down to the beach and lots of balconies and windows.

"The swimming pool floor is retractable so the depth of the pool can be changed."

Full details of the plans are expected to be revealed on September 12 when the council's policy and resources committee decides if it is to refer the proposals to the planning committee.

The £48 million centre is part of one of the largest developments on the seafront. If given the go-ahead, the space occupied by the King Alfred would be transformed into 750 apartments.

Cafes, car parking and gardens would also be built.

Last week, the policy and resources committee was equally divided.

The six Labour members are expected to vote for the scheme and the six Conservatives against.

Liberal Democrat Dawn Davidson, replacing Paul Elgood at the meeting, is expected to vote against and Green councillor Bill Randall in favour.

His colleague Keith Taylor remains undecided.

Coun Taylor said: "My heart says let's do it, as it's a marvellous facility for the people of Brighton."

But he still had doubts about how the infrastructure would cope if the flats were built.

Coun Sue John said: "People were seeing we are going to have more sports facilities in the city than ever before and all under one roof."