A three-year wrangle over access to a sandy beach will be decided in the High Court.

A judicial review will be held in November to decide the fate of Newhaven’s West Beach, which was closed to the public in 2008 over safety fears.

East Sussex County Council last year approved a recommendation to register the land as a village green, which would give locals the right to use it.

However beach-owner Newhaven Por t and Properties (NPP) has fought the decision, saying that public access is “not compatible” with the working life of the port.

It has refused to allow people onto the beach saying it is too dangerous for visitors.

Last month NPP announced its multimillion-pound regeneration plan for the port that it says will create hundreds of jobs.

A spokeswoman said: “The port masterplan envisages significant increase in port traffic with the objective of bringing jobs and economic revival to the area.

“This is not compatible with public use of this site.”

The judicial review is due to be heard at the High Court in London over three days from November 8.

East Sussex County Council said it will defend its decision to register the beach as a village green.

It is believed the beach will stay closed to the public until the court decision.

Newhaven town mayor Steve Saunders said: “We would encourage NPP to consider a temporary concession to the people of the town and allow access to the beach until the case is finally decided upon.

“Another summer is in danger of passing without us being allowed to enjoy the only sandy beach for miles around.”