RESIDENTS could soon be enjoying panoramic views from the roof of an iconic perfume factory after council officials gave their backing for new flats.

Councillors are being advised to grant permission for nine new flats on the roof of the former Dubarry Perfume Factory near Hove Railway Station after architects tweaked the design.

The proposals have been strongly opposed by homeowners living nearby who have vowed to continue fighting the new flats.

Four one-bedroom flats, four two-bedroom flats and one three-bedroom flat on top of one of the most distinctive buildings in Hove are proposed. The factory, built in the 1930s, employed around 350 workers at its height.

Dubarry Perfume went into liquidation in 1982 and the famous factory site was subsequently broken up into smaller parts and is now home to a range of businesses including Crunch Accounting, Dynamic Hot Yoga and The Brighton Academy for performing arts.

Twenty-one letters of opposition have been received by the council with nearby residents complaining the much-loved building would lose its “unique identity”, that the addition would be worse than an existing “eyesore” extension to the building and a loss of sunlight to surrounding residents.

Concerns were also raised that the flats could become party houses and would lead to increased noise and disturbance.

Green Councillor Rob Jarrett has also objected to the designs.

Conditions for the granting of the scheme would see developers pay £6,750 towards sustainable transport infrastructure.

Newtown Road resident Rob Miller said an overshadowing report drawn up by the applicants which was “key” to gaining officer support was “full of errors”.

He added: “We are all very, very disappointed.

“What makes me angry is at the same time a development at the other end of Newtown Road for 90 homes which residents don’t have a problem with has been rejected, but the desecration of a famous building with nine penthouses is allowed.”

A final decision on the designs will be made next Wednesday