Residents in Ringmer are campaigning to get housebuilding plans in their village thrown out.

They fear proposals for 14 new homes on farmland behind Elphick Road would open the floodgates for more.

The land has been offered by a local farmer for affordable housing.

But taxi driver David Nickels, 41, of Broyle Lane, Ringmer, is mustering opposition to the proposal, which has been drawn up by Lewes District Council and Sussex Rural Community Council.

He has sent 100 letters to villagers urging them to attend a Ringmer Parish Council meeting at the village hall on October 26 to voice their concern.

Mr Nickels said services in the area were already overstretched but more homes would send them to breaking point.

He said: "Although it is only 14 homes we are against any type of expansion of Ringmer.

"Our fear is that more would be built and that's something we certainly don't want."

Lewes Council said it had received "dozens and dozens" of objections but stressed the homes were for local people only.

Spokesman Graham Amy said: "We are not talking about bringing hundreds of people down from outside areas but just 14 new properties for local people."

Sussex Community Council said such sites were rare and provided a superb opportunity for affordable housing.