David Cameron urged to back Royal Sussex County Hospital plan

The project received planning permission two years ago but ministers have not agreed to pay for the development

Prime Minister David Cameron has been urged to give the green light to plans to expand the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Brighton and Hove councillor Linda Hyde made the plea to Mr Cameron while he was on a visit to Peacehaven earlier.

The project received planning permission two years ago but ministers have not agreed to pay for the development.

Mr Cameron said the Treasury and the Department of Health are looking at it.

He was holding one of his PM Direct events on the East Sussex coast.

In January 2012, Brighton and Hove City Council agreed the hospital trust could replace the crumbling hospital with a new £420m 12-storey block.

The redeveloped hospital is to serve as a major trauma centre for Sussex, treating hundreds of injured patients who would otherwise be sent to London hospitals.

"I know how important it is," Mr Cameron told Ms Hyde.

"This is a vibrant city and people really want to see really good health services in their communities, so message received and understood."