CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 45 new homes in Ovingdean have been given the go ahead.

The development in Ovingdean has drawn anger from environmental campaigners as well as residents who feel it threatens their historic village.

Previous plans for the site had been rejected by Brighton and Hove Council’s planning committee in 2017, who cited ecological concerns as well as the impact on the surrounding villages.

But in February this year councillors withdrew their objections, allowing developers Lightwood Strategic to appeal the decision.

The Planning Inspectorate allowed the appeal to stand, meaning Lightwood Strategic are free to go ahead with the development.

John Richards, of the Deans Protection Group who have campaigned against the development for over four years, said: “This decision is a real shame, it’s about pure profit.

“It’s not going to help the local housing shortage, because these are going to be second homes for Londoners.

“This is a powerful developer using its muscle to intimidate the council and pressuring them to give way.”

Describing development in the area, Mr Richards said: “The schools are full, the surgery has closed, the infrastructure just can’t take this continued expansion.”

The Meadow Vale site on which the houses will be built is rich in rare and protected species, including the critically endangered Red Star Thistle.

Groups opposed to the new homes had also raised the issue of traffic congestion and high levels of air pollution in the area.

Councillor Julie Cattell, chairwoman of the council’s planning committee, said: “The Planning Inspectorate is independent of the council and we have to abide by its decisions.

“I fully understand that feelings run high about developments on our urban fringe, and I’m sorry for any residents who feel badly affected by this.

She also said that there was a massive need for housing both nationally and locally, and pointed out that the council had blocked an earlier application from the same site for 85 homes.

As part of the inspector’s decision, Lightwood Strategic agreed to a commitment to provide financial contributions towards education and recreation, as well as a commitment to provide affordable housing.

As well as the planning decision, the developer also appealed to the Planning Inspectorate for costs relating to loss of income stemming from delays caused by the council.

However, the inspector denied the second appeal as ‘unreasonable behaviour’ had not been demonstrated.