Plans to build a plant that would turn seawater into drinking water have been put forward in East Sussex.

South East Water wants to carry out trials in Newhaven with a view to building a full-scale desalination plant in the future.

It comes after hot weather in 2003 saw reservoir levels reach record lows.

But environmentalists say the way water is managed should be looked at instead and are concerned at how such a plant would be powered.

Environmental impact

The water firm plans to use wasteland near Newhaven harbour to build a small unit to test if a larger plant would be economically and environmentally viable.

James Grinnell, from South East Water, said: "The great thing about desalination is that it is very cheap to install.

"So the fact that the operating costs are now reduced with technology means it becomes a more viable option to provide water in the future."

But Keith Taylor, from the Green Party at Brighton and Hove City Council, said they would be looking very closely at the environmental impact and would be calling for a full assessment of the plans.

Plans for the unit have been submitted to Lewes District Council.