When Bolnore Village near Haywards Heath was first proposed, it was hailed by many as a high standard of development.

Spacious houses were proposed in a scheme that also did its best to protect wildlife and rare natural habitats.

But now West Sussex County Council is suggesting that another 400 homes should be built there.

No more land would be taken but the scheme would be built to a higher density in accordance with Government guidelines.

This would negate many of the advantages claimed for Bolnore, which even its detractors admit has been carefully planned.

But councils have to find a way to fit in thousands of new homes demanded by the Government.

The alternative is to take more green fields in Haywards Heath.

Until Sussex councils and residents combine and persuade the Government that Sussex simply can't take much more housing, this kind of conflict will occur again and again.