Brighton and Hove's housing shortage long ago earned the tag "crisis" - but what happens when developers want to build dozens of homes on a field behind your house?

With its neatly manicured lawns and occasional splashes of mock-Tudor, Redhill Close is the archetypal suburban cul-de-sac.

Brown bungalows line up alongside grander homes in neat, regimented rows where at noon the loudest sound is the rush of the wind rustling through bushes.

Yet something is stirring in Withdean in Brighton.

Committees have been formed, meetings organised, Press releases drafted and letters written by the hundred.

The first clue that all is not rosy in Redhill is a sign saying "Private" in bold letters which bans access to an overgrown patch of greenery.

For several years, the owners of this plot have been trying to sell it.

A previous scheme for 45 plush homes was laid to waste after a huge protest.

An appeal by developers Sunley Estates resulted in a public inquiry but Stephen Byers, then in charge of local government, came down on the side of the council, saying it did not justify tearing up a greenfield site.

Now, the community spirit that saw such united opposition has been reawoken.

This time the plans are for almost three times as many "low-cost" houses.

News of the new application spread like wildfire.

Phone calls, conversations in the street, a newsletter and finally a meeting in the local Scout hut which attracted so many people it had to be moved outside.

The Argus, too, has received a deluge of letters of objection, many written on behalf of newly-formed campaign group Westdene and Withdean Community Association.

They believe the area would be destroyed: Roads, schools, drainage, police and health services would be stretched beyond capacity.

But critics argue if there is nowhere affordable for them to live, there will be no workmen, teachers, PCs or nurses.

The county is already suffering shortages in key public services - the people these homes are designed to accommodate.

Ivor and Linda Thompson have lived in Redhill Close for 25 years.

Mrs Thompson, 67, said: "It's not that we don't want change, it's just this area cannot take it.

"The roads here are already verycongested and any more traffic would be terrible.

"If something is built there it needs far more access than just through the close.

"Even then we would rather there was nothing built there at all."

Mr Thompson, 76, said: "There surely must be far better sites for this development in Brighton.

"It seems amazing they can reject an application for 45 homes then consider one for more than 100."

Alan Gower, 66, retired to Redhill Close and is furious with the new housing plans.

His bungalow would be among one of the worst affected by increased traffic, lying beside the proposed access road to the site.

"It would be a nightmare," he said.

"I reckon it could result in 200 new cars on the road and all the dirt and fumes will be terrible."

Mr Gower admits he is also unhappy with the development because the affordable homes would not fit in with the area.

He said: "We have a nice mix here of working families and retired people.

"I think it is unreasonable, bearing in mind I bought the house because it is in a quiet area, to watch something getting built that is completely out of character with the neighbourhood.

"I understand it's hard for young families to afford a home but everything is hard when you're young.

"That's why you work hard to buy a nice place to live, which is actually much more important when you are retired."

Another Redhill Close resident, who asked not to be named, was more sympathetic with those struggling to afford a home.

She said: "I can see the problem from both sides. But this development is still ridiculous because it will bring young families into an area with very few facilities.

"The primary school will need to be expanded and we already have lots of problems with doctors and dentists.

"We have to go to a doctor in Hangleton and I don't think there will be any new practices coming in."

Those behind the development dismiss claims it will cause havoc in the area.

Gareth Stacey, secretary of Sussex Overseas Housing Society, which has submitted the planning application, said: "People have to live somewhere and this development will be built very nicely with as little environmental impact as possible.

"The problem is we live in an incredibly expensive area and if we are trying to recruit people like nurses, teachers and police officers from anywhere north of the Watford Gap they cannot afford to come."

He does not criticise residents for objecting but feels something must give if Brighton is to solve its housing crisis.

Mr Stacey said: "Sooner or later, maybe in the next five or ten years, something will be built there."