Fans have hit back at residents who complained about redevelopment plans at Sussex County Cricket ground.

Many living near the Hove club in Eaton Road, Hove, said they were thinking of moving after a six-storey concrete block was earmarked to replace their perfect views of the pitch.

They said they were cricket fans who had bought homes because of the views and were devastated to be left in shadow with a lack of privacy and light instead.

But supporters have visited this website website to accuse the neighbours of being Nimbys - an acronym short for "not in my back yard" implying the objections are borne of selfish motives.

They said the plan for two new stands at the south side of the ground was the only way that the club could remain in Hove.

One, calling himself Dave Dog from Hove, said: "This is pure Nimbyism at its very worst.

"Next time buy yourselves a property less likely to be affected."

Simon from Hove said: "If these people are so-called Sussex supporters then surely it does not take a genius to work out that keeping Sussex Cricket Club in Hove is only possible through commercial development that this proposal is soley based."

Terry from Tunbridge Wells said: "I'll eat Mushtaq Ahmed's cap if any property prices fall, or if more than a couple of residents move away, as a direct result of the development.

"Permission should have been given years ago."

But Terry Wing, from Brighton, stuck up for the residents. He said: "We buy our houses or flats because of certain personal attractions - a wide open space is certainly a bonus.

"Having this view obscured is a perfect catalyst for upset and housing price concern. Perhaps those with negative views should start to have a little more understanding towards the views and opinions of others."

The club was given planning permission for a landscaped entrance, club shop, offices and nine flats last week. It had previously said it would have to look for a home outside the city if the go-ahead was not granted.