Southern Water says the works meets stringent European standards

Southern Water wants to build the waste water treatment works in Peacehaven and is carrying out a public consultation.

Nearby residents are angry at the plans and claim the area is being used to deal with Brighton and Hove's sewage.

They fear it will smell and blight the countryside but the water firm says foul air will be extracted and the plant will have environmental benefits.

We feel this part of the coast is being used as a dumping ground for Brighton and Hove's rubbish Barbara Gilburt, resident

Resident Barbara Gilburt has lived in the area for 40 years with her husband John.

She said: "Why should we have Brighton and Hove's sewage out here? Why can't Brighton and Hove deal with it?

"The same with the incinerator at Newhaven that will be Brighton and Hove's rubbish.

"We feel this part of the coast is being used as a dumping ground for Brighton and Hove's rubbish."

'Cleaner seas'

Southern Water said the plant will ensure stringent European environment standards are met.

The company said: "The works is needed to treat the 95 million litres of waste water generated every day by the 250,000 residents of Brighton and Hove, Woodingdean, Ovingdean, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven.

"It is essential for Southern Water to meet the standards of the EU urban waste water treatment directive and bring about even cleaner seas to the area."

A meeting is to be held on Tuesday between residents and the water company for people to air their views.