THERE has been strong opposition to plans for a housing development in an area which has seen "a surge in traffic" during the pandemic.

Several neighbours have objected to plans to demolish a 1950s bungalow and build two large four-bedroom houses on its plot in Chyngton Way in Seaford, immediately next to the roundabout.

Concerns have been raised the site is too small to accommodate two properties, and that additional parking on both sides of the road could create "a serious hazard" at the roundabout, due to limited visibility.

Alan Green, who lives two doors down from the proposed development, described the plans as "nuts".

The 60-year-old said: "The roundabout now sees a constant flow of traffic, as this area has been inundated with visitors getting out for the day.

"There has been several accidents and near misses – and one of the houses' entrance driveways would discharge directly onto the roundabout on that corner. It's nuts.

"We get that Lewes District Council is under pressure to build more houses, but this developer wants to shoehorn properties on a plot which is frankly not big enough.

"It would ruin this little corner of Seaford - all just to build one more property."

Chyngton Way sits within a designated area of special character in the Seaford Neighbourhood Plan and the town council has objected to the application, which was submitted in August last year.

However the development has been recommended for approval by Lewes District Council, which Mr Green says came as a shock to residents.

The application is set to go before the council's planning committee later today.

Mr Green said the virtual meeting is "not fit for purpose".

He said: "The online meeting simply will not reflect all views, as the agenda will see three submissions from objectors and three from those in favour.

"Considering there are more than 35 detailed objections, in addition to those from Seaford Town Council, there will be a serious imbalance in the information being laid in front of the committee members.

"The community is determined that should the application be passed, they will seek recourse through a Judicial Review, or through other means.

"Plans to start a mini crowdfunding campaign to cover legal fees are already underway.”

A spokeswoman for Lewes District Council said there is no alteration to the format of meetings while they are being carried out virtually.

She said: "All representations received as part of the public consultation are evaluated by the case officer and will be presented to planning committee in summary form.

"Planning committee members will evaluate and balance the issues and merits of the scheme prior to making their decision."