The owner of ancient woodland threatened by road-builders today said development would cause no long-term damage.

Landowner Clement Somerset is pressing ahead with plans to sell fields near Titnore Woods on the outskirts of Worthing.

Campaigners fear the 100 acres of woodland will be ruined if the winding Titnore Lane is straightened to provide better access to the planned 850 homes at a housing and industrial estate.

The wood, at West Durrington, is one of only two ancient woodland complexes left on the Sussex coast.

Environmentalists have launched a succession of protests in their effort to stop the scheme going ahead.

But Mr Somerset, whose family has owned the estate for more than 100 years, told The Argus: "The arable land has been earmarked for housing for more than 30 years.

"No deals have been done. But we will go ahead with the plans if we get planning permission.

"There is no way Titnore Woods is going to be destroyed as there is more than 100 acres of them.

"The woods are not and never have been under threat from the housing development. Titnore Lane may have to be developed but I do not think this will cause any long-term damage.

"Something needs to be done about the road anyway. It is really dangerous at the moment. The bend is lethal.

"However we will do our absolute utmost to ensure a minimalist approach.

"Titnore Woods are lovely. We are very proud of what we have achieved environmentally with the whole estate."

Campaigners at a demonstration on Sunday said they had hoped Mr Somerset would meet them at the Coach and Horses pub in Arundel Road to accept a letter.

When he did not, the group started walking up the public footpath to the Somerset family's Holt Farm, just north of the A27.

Their path was blocked by a line of police officers.

But Mr Somerset said he had not been contacted about the event.

He later arrived on the scene, accepted the letter and chatted with protesters.

Mr Somerset said: "I'm happy to talk to people but would appreciate it if I was contacted in advance.

"I don't mind listening to other people's views, as long as they will listen to mine."

The action on Sunday drew a large police presence and metal barricades around the pub where they met.

Police stepped up their presence after an earlier demonstration drew up to 300 protesters and scuffles broke out as the lane was sealed off at both ends.

Mr Somerset was asked by campaigners to consider handing over the land to a trust to be preserved as a natural habitat.

Their letter read: "Such a gesture would ensure the name of your family is not tainted and tarnished forever by unsavoury associations with miles of tarmac and concrete and vanloads of riot police ensuring the profitable destruction of our environment can go ahead uninterrupted."

Acting Chief Inspector Russ Whitfield said: "There were about 35 demonstrators. There were no arrests."

Campaigners will hand over a petition to Worthing Mayor Eric Mardell on the steps of the town hall on September 19 at 4pm.