OPPOSITION TO HOMES GROWS

He said members of the South Downs Joint Committee staged a lively debate and delivered a resounding no to proposals.

'The plans arise from an announcement by the Government to see many thousands of houses erected across the South-East.

'This does not take into account the outcome of a recent local housing survey, ignores the feelings of local people, and plays havoc with the area in an idyllic corner of an AONB in the shadow of the Downs.'

He added: 'We considered that the developments would have a clearly adverse impact on this virtually unique area and unanimously objected to the applications.'

But he sounded a warning saying the committee's response was only one of a series required by Wealden District Council before a decision could be reached.

'Soon the county council's own planning committee will form its views and offer recommendations and opinions.

'It is crucial members bear in mind the commonsense factors governing the limited need for more housing, the strength of public opinion and their responsibility as protectors of our precious landscape.'