A new supermarket is also planned for the East Sussex village

Southern Water is considering digging a shaft in the car park at Rottingdean as part of its plans for a waste water treatment works in nearby Peacehaven.

It would be one of several along the 11km route from Brighton to the town.

John Cumming, of Rottingdean Parish Council, said the 15ft wide shaft would reduce the number of car park spaces.

Cleaner seas

The problem will be exacerbated by the arrival of a new supermarket, which is also planned for the village.

"With the new Tesco building as well, it will greatly increase the traffic that will want to use this car park," said Mr Cumming.

"The effect of Southern Water doing it on this site is going to have a devastating effect from the point of view of residents, the trades and particularly the tourists," he added.

But Damon Elliott, major projects manager for Southern Water, said the new infrastructure was a vital part of its proposals to deliver improved wastewater treatment and cleaner seas to the Sussex coast.

"Wherever a new treatment works is built, work is also needed at key locations of the sewerage network," he said.

Southern Water said it was continuing to consult with local planning authorities and had also contacted parish and town councils about the new sewer infrastructure requirements, but was working towards submitting formal planning applications.