Developers and residents are going head to head with two opposing plans to build on a private playing field.
A controversial scheme for 112 homes on the site in Redhill Close, Westdene, has now been resubmitted to Brighton and Hove City Council.
It was withdrawn by DMH Holdings, for Braybon Holdings, in September so various amendments could be made.
The plan now incorporates a wider mix of housing types to meet the needs of the city, a relocated children's playground and a wildlife area for use by the residents.
There is also a children's play area and links for pedestrians and cyclists to Valley Drive and Millcroft.
But the amended proposal still faces competition from opponents who formed the Westdene and Withdean Community Association to fight the plans.
It has submitted an outline scheme to the city council for building a new community centre, car park and entrance road.
Chartered town planner Paul Burgess, of DMH, said: "The council has stated more than 15,000 additional affordable homes are needed in Brighton and Hove.
"The current local plan falls at least 13,000 homes short of this figure.
"This proposal will make a significant contribution to the provision of cheaper housing and ease pressure for building on the Downs.
"While the residents' scheme may be a worthy alternative, it is based on the free donation of a large area of land, which is clearly unrealistic.
"These works are likely to cost approximately £2 million and I understand no funding for this or the cost of the land has been formalised."
Mr Burgess explained that after a public inquiry into plans for 45 open market homes on the site, the planning inspector had said the site would be inappropriate for intensive recreational use and a low intensity use would not address the shortfall of recreational space in other parts of the city.
Association spokeswoman Joanna Lodge said members had not yet had a chance to view the new plans but would make a comment when they had done so. They had expected the plans to be put in again.
She added: "We still need the support of residents and are asking them to write to the council and support our plans."
Both planning applications are likely to be determined early next year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article