Plans to build up to 45 houses on a Mid Sussex greenfield site could open the floodgates to further developments, an inquiry was told.

People living in Rocky Lane, near Haywards Heath, fear if the land north of Rookery Farm is earmarked for housing it will lower the value of their homes and further threaten the green gap between Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.

Council bosses first tried to earmark the site for housing in 1989 but that bid was rejected on appeal because at the time there were no other homes nearby.

Yesterday, principal planning officer Judith Hewitt told the inquiry into Mid Sussex District's Local Plan - the council's vision for future development of the district - the site was now suitable.

She said: "We were looking at urban sites first, then we looked at urban extensions.

"We accept what was said in 1989 but feel it is well contained and will not set a precedent for further development."

Mrs Hewitt told the hearing the council believed it was a suitable site because it was now surrounded by houses and its impact on the strategic gap would be slight.

Residents were also concerned public transport in the area was not adequate and low-cost housing would reduce the value of neighbouring homes.

Pamela Maxwell, who was one of two objectors at the hearing, told the panel: "It is wrong.

"This site is important and it will be the first step on a slippery slope."

The hearing was adjourned. The planning inspector's report is expected to be published in the autumn.