Water bosses are appealing to the Government on controversial plans for a £200 million treatment works at the same time as resubmitting designs to a planning authority.

Southern Water is lodging an appeal with the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott on Thursday, calling for a decision on the proposed scheme at Lower Hoddern Farm in Peacehaven.

The development dubbed "Poohaven" by a growing legion of protesters could go to public inquiry with planning officers at Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council called before Government ministers.

The appeal is being lodged on the same day that Southern Water resubmits its proposals for the sewage treatment works to city and county council planning officers.

Under the scheme a large dome would appear in the middle of the traffic island opposite Brighton Marina housing a pumping station, treating 95 million litres of waste water from the 250,000 residents.

Southern Water's actions have been criticised by people opposing the plans.

John Hodgson, a 62-year-old teacher from Capel Avenue, said: "This appeal smacks of desperation. Southern Water are panicking because they feel they will be defeated but the problem lies with them because they cannot provide answers to technical questions planning officers have asked them."