Conservative councillors will hit back at claims that opponents of major developments are "amateurs".

The Tory group on Brighton and Hove City Council, whose members opposed last month's proposal for a park-and-ride scheme in Patcham, took offence at the comment by council leader Ken Bodfish.

Coun Bodfish was reported in The Argus in November criticising the council's all-party planning committee for refusing permission for a skyscraper at Brighton Marina.

Coun Bodfish said: "The committee members are being very irresponsible. They are amateurs overthrowing the well-thought-through, professional advice of our officers.

"One wonders if they are interested in increasing the value of their own houses by stopping more building in the city."

A Conservative motion to be debated by full council on January 19 "reminds" the Labour administration of its minority status and adds that its proposals "will not automatically be voted through unless it engages in proper and constructive consultation with other parties on the council".

Conservative group leader Coun Garry Peltzer Dunn, who seconded the motion, said: "I thought Ken's comments were totally out of order.

"He might be the leader of the council but that doesn't mean he has the right to speak for all councillors. Sometimes he forgets his position is somewhat tenuous."

Coun Bodfish was unavailable for comment.