Residents of a quiet cul-de-sac are up in arms over plans to fill nearby fields with 90 houses.

Some homeowners in Beeches Avenue, Worthing, say they will move if the development on the south-facing slope of the Downs goes ahead.

The proposals were revealed in a Government Inspector's Report into the Worthing Local Plan, which provides a blueprint of developments to take place before 2006.

The green space north of the cul-de-sac is a gateway to the South Downs and home to people's pet horses. To the south, lies the busy A27 Upper Brighton Road.

Residents fear their "little oasis" could soon become noisy and polluted.

Frank Norris, who has lived in the avenue since the bungalows were built in 1952, said: "I am absolutely against this. When you get to the bottom of the cul-de-sac and see the road, you think 'Oh boy'. What's it going to be like with all those houses at the top? It's bad enough now.

"They will encroach on the Downs. Imagine what it will be like with all the new residents trying to get on to the Upper Brighton Road. Our road will be full of queues of cars.

"There is so much other ground they could build on."

Joan Martin, a resident for 32 years, said she would move if the houses appeared.

She said: "It's lovely living here. It's like a little oasis after coming off the Upper Brighton Road.

"It would not be very pleasant if the houses were built. My husband said he wouldn't move from here until he's carried out in a box but I'd like to if all this happens."

The report looked into Worthing Borough Council's Local Plan for the next five years.

The independent inspector suggested development north of Beeches Avenue to reduce the controversial number of houses proposed in the local plan for the West Durrington area from 825 to about 700.

The Secretary of State for the Environment will intervene if the council does not have a very good reason for failing to implement the inspector's plans.

Council planning policy manager Clare Mangan said: "We have to have very strong justification for not following his recommendations.

"At the moment, it is difficult to think of a reason not to accept them."

The report will go before councillors in February.