A Paddock protected by a 19th Century covenant could be built on.

Sixteen bungalows could be built on the two-and-a-half acre site between Marine Drive and The Cliff, Brighton.

A covenant imposed in 1898, which forbade any building on the land, was modified in 1936 when Marine Gate was built.

Residents were promised no further development would take place but it was again changed in 1986 to allow no more than 16 buildings no taller than 30 feet to be built.

The landowner, Brighton and Hove City Council, has lodged a case with the Land Tribunal to lift the 1898 and 1936 covenants because these were not automatically cancelled when the new one was created.

The land is allocated in the Local Plan for housing but residents of Marine Gate and The Cliff say it is a vital wildlife site and should remain as it is.

Peter Levene, 65, of The Cliff, said: "The covenants were meant to make sure the land is preserved for the enjoyment of people living around here.

"If permission for this goes ahead who knows where it will stop."

Michael Chowen, former owner of Sussex Stationers, who lives in The Cliff, said: "It would be a real shame to see the green space lost."

A council ecologist said the site is home to lizards, slowworms, protected birds and the rare plant Hoary Stock.

Council officers have recommended granting permission for the houses on the condition as much as possible is done to protect the nesting birds and reptiles and a scheme to identify nature conservation areas is implemented.

A contribution of just under £30,000 to be spent on outdoor recreation in East Brighton and £24,000 towards transport and the footpath between Cliff Approach and Marine Drive has also been suggested.

Forty per cent of the bungalows would be affordable housing.

The application will be considered by the planning committee on Wednesday.