An area protecting a park has nearly doubled in size.

Brighton and Hove City Council has revealed the extension to the Stanmer Park conservation area after the first review in 30 years.

The protected area, which was first introduced in 1970, will now include the Great Wood in the east and Richmond Hill and Grubbings to the west.

Planners claim it will define the 18th century landscape estate as an area of special historic and architectural interest.

However, residents are disappointed the changes have not gone far enough.

A spokesman for Friends of Stanmer Park said: “We feel strongly that all the woodland areas connecting to the village on its northern side should be included to help ‘frame the village’.”

There were also concerns that the new plans did not stop proposals to put existing buildings into use.

Council planners rejected the pleas to extend the boundary further stating the areas would be covered by the new South Downs National Park.

They also stated “inappropriate planting” of fruit trees will be removed as they significantly alter the park’s historic character.

The revised conservation area will be used in with planning policies to ensure the area is protected.