Retired planning lawyer Mike Page is calling for two Downs footpaths to be created on a proposed housing estate.

Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee granted permission for social housing to be built in The Rise, Portslade, just a stone's throw from the Downs.

The application had been for 48 homes and flats but more than 750 residents opposed the plan and the authority agreed to scale it down to 40 houses and no flats.

Although the residents agree they have had a partial victory, they want their access to the Downs to remain.

Mr Page, 47, joined the Residents Against Development action group which claimed would turn their street into the rubbish bin of Brighton and Hove. Although the homes have been given the go-ahead, Mr Page and other residents from The Rise and nearby streets are planning their next move.

Mr Page is using more than 20 years of experience in local government to tackle the plan.

He said: "The residents are about to launch an application for the establishment of footpaths through the site."

There was evidence two pathways through the site had been used for more than 20 years.

If the council refused permission, the residents would call for a public inquiry.

They have accepted the site would have to be used for housing but the Local Plan originally stated the number of homes would be 12.