The results of a public consultation exercise into controversial plans for a housing estate on the outskirts of Worthing have been revealed.

Most people say they are in favour of the development or accept it will go ahead.

But the majority are also against the widening of Titnore Lane, a winding country road running adjacent to West Durrington, where more than 800 houses are planned.

There is also a fear that more houses in the area will make crime problems worse and a concern about the loss of ancient woodland.

The survey was conducted during a public exhibition on the proposed estate, which was held at West Durrington Community Centre earlier this year.

More than 650 people attended the exhibition and 273 survey forms were completed, with a further 300 residents visiting a web site on the issue.

The survey revealed that 85 per cent of people were against the widening of Titnore Lane, favouring traffic calming measures instead.

A total of 67 per cent favoured access to the new estate via Titnore Lane and Fulbeck Avenue rather than Titnore Lane and Tasman Way.

Many respondents called for community facilities for young people, social housing for local people and low-cost housing for first-time buyers.

They also want better medical facilities, a rural feel to the estate, the replacement of any trees that are felled, the protection of wildlife and a road layout that is designed to combat crime, such as the elimination of rat runs and alleyways.

Ian Thorn, a spokesman for Green Issues Communications, a Reading-based company employed by the developers, said: "It is important to say that a minority, although large, of residents are opposed to the scheme but the majority of respondents accept that the development will happen and want the best possible scheme.

"The overriding issue is that the development should be a positive contribution to the Durrington area. It should include a mix of types of housing with design elements complementing its urban-rural setting.

"There is clearly a concern that more social housing will bring problems to the area and that crime prevention should be at the forefront of the design.

"Although there is considerable support for low-cost housing, this view is in the minority.

"The issue of giving the development a local feel was prevalent, as was the desire to maintain as much of a green and pleasant environment as possible.

"There is a consistent theme in terms of facilities, for instance more facilities for young people, particularly between the ages of eight and 15.

"In addition, a collection of medical facilities including doctors, dentists and a pharmacy would be very welcome.

"The sense of vulnerability felt by many, particularly older members of the community, caused the issue of crime and yobs to be raised on many occasions.

"There is a fear that more development will make matters worse."

Mr Thorn said a roundabout in Titnore Lane would result in the loss of about 50 trees but the roundabout would act as a traffic calming measure.

The results of the survey will now be passed to Worthing Borough Council, which is expecting a planning application later this year, and West Sussex County Council, the highways authority.