The surrounding area generates '95m litres of wastewater a day'

Southern Water's plans for land at Lower Hoddern Farm in Peacehaven also include a sludge recycling centre.

An application was made to East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council in March, but no decision was made in the normal 16-week period.

The company submitted two separate appeals on Thursday.

It could lead to a public inquiry being called, at which Southern Water, both councils and other interested parties would be able to give evidence.

However, Southern Water will also resubmit its planning application to the local authorities in the hope of a decision being made locally.

Project director Richard Price said: "Our lodging of an appeal will ensure a decision on the scheme can be made as soon as practicably possible, which we believe is in everyone's interests.

Southern Water said the works meets stringent European standards

"However, submitting a duplicate application at the same time will continue to enable full consideration of the scheme within the local planning process."

Southern Water is keen to get the green light because it says it is legally responsible for adhering to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

Other infrastructure planned in the environmental improvement scheme includes an 11km underground wastewater transfer sewer between Black Rock and Peacehaven and a 2.5km sea outfall at Friars Bay.

Southern Water said its proposals would see wastewater passing through a multi-stage treatment process before being released out to sea.

The plans went on public display in May.