Neighbours are battling plans to build a house in a protected woodland in Eastbourne saying it could open the floodgates to further development.
People living near Valley Fields, a copse off Salisbury Road, have launched a campaign to block the bid.
Russell Risely, chairman of the Meads Residents Association, believes if the application is successful the protected area could be lost forever.
The proposal has been entered by Ashdown Hurrey and Co, a firm of chartered accounts based in Eversfield Road.
Mr Risely said: "The land has been lying fallow for many years and it is in a conservation area. It is a haven for wildlife and the RSPB have told us it's a staging post for migrating birds.
"If someone were to get permission to build there it would really open the door for other developers."
A spokesman for Ashdown Hurrey said the company could not comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article