Plans for 40 low-cost homes on a site close to the Downs have been approved despite more than 750 objections by neighbours.

People who live near the site at The Rise, Mile Oak, say the scheme, which includes properties for key workers, would cause traffic problems and be too near open countryside.

They handed in a petition to members of Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee protesting about the Downland Housing Group's plans.

But councillors gave permission for the demolition of college and nursery buildings on the site and the building of new homes off Mile Oak Road.

The scheme will include the city's first Home Zone. This means streets are designed to be shared between drivers and pedestrians, children and cyclists.

It aims to improve the quality of life on residential streets by making them places for people, not just traffic.

The 40 homes will be a mix of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom houses, some in shared or mixed ownership.

Four homes will be built for wheelchair users. The houses will meet the Eco Homes "good" environmental rating.

Some homes will be targeted at key workers such as teachers, social workers, health professionals, educational psychologists and probation staff.

Friday July 23, 2004