Architect Wilkinson Eyre is set to appeal against Brighton council’s decision to block plans for a £175m mixed-use development at Brighton Marina.

Brighton and Hove council’s planning committee voted against the plans, which included a 128 m tower, after outlining four main problems with the scheme.

The council said the proposals were too big, were out of keeping with the area, lacked amenity and would create traffic and parking problems. It also said the tower would have spoiled views across the Sussex Downs.

As well as the 40-storey tower, the scheme would have contained 10 15-storey blocks. These would have included nearly 1000 flats, 400 of them affordable, bars, restaurants and a lifeboat station.

Sources close to Wilkinson Eyre, which is working for developer Brunswick Developments, said the consortium was likely to appeal.

A spokesperson said: “Despite having the backing of local authority planning officers, our scheme to redevelop Brighton Marina on behalf of Brunswick Developments did not receive planning permission last week. We are disappointed by the decision but optimistic that the situation will be resolved.”

We are disappointed by the decision but optimistic that the situation will be resolved

Wilkinson Eyre spokesperson

The plans were rejected by nine votes to three, even though council officers had recommended that councillors should approve the scheme.

Their report said the design was an “innovative and high quality design”.

But objectors, who had handed over a petition signed by hundreds of people had maintained it would “overwhelm” the area.

They also said it flouted the Brighton Marina Act of 1968, which prevents buildings rising higher than the cliff top.