Local campaigners are calling for people to support their fight against a major housing development in the West Sussex countryside.

Residents opposed to plans to build hundreds of homes at West Durrington say the scheme is environmental vandalism and should be stopped.

They have appealed for people to attend a local inquiry to discuss the proposals.

The council wants to build 800 homes covering over 100 hectares of field and woodland bordered by Adur Avenue, Titnore Lane and the A27.

Part of the site is covered by the largest area of ancient semi-natural woodlands in the town, as well as fields that are believed to have been a medieval deer park.

At the heart of the proposal is Goring Lake, which has an island habitat for nesting wildfowl.

Leading campaigner Mary Adams said: "It is a crazy idea to have such a large-scale development at this site.

"People need to understand exactly what is being planned, which is why they should come to the inquiry."

Local residents accept there is a need for new homes but are unhappy with what efforts to find alternative brownfield sites in the area.

Mary Adams said: "Most people I know said not enough has been done to find other locations at more suitable brownfield sites in the area and that is why we are angry.

"Although the prospective environmental damage is one of the saddest things about this development, we are also concerned about the increase in traffic congestion and pollution that will be generated.

"This is nothing more than environmental vandalism."

The council said it understood people's concerns but it was required by law to build 3,400 homes in the borough by 2006 and the Durrington location was the only feasible option for a large scale development as it had not been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.

It said at this stage it was only trying to get the scheme on to its Local Plan and no specific planning applications have been made.

There would be further consultation with residents and every effort would be made to try to minimise the impact if it did go ahead.

The West Durrington section of the Local Plan will be discussed at a public inquiry at Worthing town hall in Chapel Road from November 7. It is expected to last for a week.