Architects behind a proposed skyscraper dubbed Endeavourest hope amendments to their plans will help head off a deluge of criticism.

Karis Developments wants to build the £20 million scheme for the old Endeavour garage site in Preston Road, just south of Preston Park in Brighton.

Architect Piers Gough has trimmed a floor from the building so it stands 14 storeys high.

A huge golden cube has been removed to make way for a more fitting circular roof garden.

In a newly-issued artist's impression the ice-blue tower - dubbed a product of "phallic egocentrism" by one councillor - peeps out from behind a street lamp.

It appears to be of similar height to the ten-storey block on the corner of London Road, although this is, in fact, closer to the viewer.

Josh Arghiros, managing director of Karis, said he believed the modifications to the initial design would go down well.

He said: "The top has been made lighter and transparent. It is now circular rather than square.

"We are hugely proud of this extraordinary and beautiful design which will make people feel uplifted and happy."

Karis is the team behind a stream of innovative designs which Mr Arghiros claims will bring Brighton and Hove into the 21st Century. These include the King Alfred towers on Hove seafront and two eye-catching blocks at the Marina.

All have attracted controversy and a stripy-yellow tower planned for the North Laine, dubbed the Banana Block, has been dumped this week.

At Endeavourest, the sweeping circular rooms pile on top of each other in a vision that is said to mirror the Regency architecture along Hove seafront.

Mr Gough, who grew up in Hove, responded to the councillor's criticism of his design saying: "That's a very strange phallus. I wouldn't like to have one like that myself."

But Labour councillor Kevin Allen said: "This scheme is overwhelmingly unpopular locally and I am sure these feelings will be expressed tomorrow. Who wants it? Certainly not local residents or ward councillors."

Neighbours will be able to give their views at a 7pm meeting tonight chaired by Martin Bacon, the chief executive of the Civic Trust, at the Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton University in Grand Parade.