Developers are hoping it will be fourth time lucky after launching yet another bid to build homes on a meadow.

Westbury Homes' proposals for a new estate in Folders Lane, Burgess Hill, have been blocked three times by councillors, following huge protests from neighbours.

But now the Hampshire firm has submitted another scheme for 90 homes - double the number asked for when the original bid was put forward last year.

Campaigners are gearing up for another battle, insisting they will not be worn down in their fight to save the field.

It is being backed by Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames, who wrote to the Government's Planning Inspectorate objecting to the proposals.

Coun Andrew Barrett-Miles, of the Folders Meadow Action Group, made up of local residents who united against the plans, said: "They are trying to wear us down but it won't work."

He said the difference between the latest scheme and one thrown out in May was the replacement of a mini-roundabout with a priority turning.

He said: "We're resolved on this issue and we will keep fighting.

"We had a brilliant response last time from local people and we're asking that once again they object to these plans."

The group has begun leafleting neighbouring homes as it rallies the protesters once more.

Mid Sussex District Council threw out two proposals for 45 homes and 70 homes at the end of last year.

In May a third application for 90 homes was rejected on the grounds of density and policy.

The company has appealed against the last two decisions. They are due to come before a Government planning inspector on November 11 and 12.

The new plans will be discussed by the South Area Planning Committee in August.

Coun Barrett-Miles said: "Many people use Birchwood Grove and Folders Lane to walk their children to school, take out relatives from the nursing home for a walk or walk their dogs.

"If there was additional access it would change the nature of the street. People are very worried.

"We want to see the site used as something beneficial for the town as there is not enough green space. It could be a wildlife area."

Members also say Burgess Hill lacks the infrastructure for any more large developments.

Coun Barrett-Miles said: "We don't have enough schools or doctors. The centre of Burgess Hill needs to be looked at as the town is growing too fast for the infrastructure to keep up.

"There is a problem with sewerage and water supplies.

"The meadow has problems with surface drainage, there is already low pressure in the summer for fresh water supplies, and the sewerage capacity in the area is overstretched.

"This site was not allocated for development in the district council's local plan.

"If the planning inspectorate give the application the go ahead, then what's the point in having a planning process? It would make a nonsense of the whole thing."