Residents living in a row of cottages perched on a crumbling cliff top have launched their fight to save their homes.

The owners of Crangon Cottages at Birling Gap, East Sussex, spoke at a public inquiry about their community and how they would not have their rights overlooked.

They are appealing against a decision by Wealden District Council to refuse planning permission for a 185-metre sea barrier at the foot of the cliffs.

A second application put forward by resident Jean Fawbert and the Birling Gap Cliff Protection Association for a 30-metre sea wall was approved.

A public inquiry was ordered by the Environment Secretary, John Prescott, to decide whether to allow either of the plans.

The barrier would only last for about 30 years but without it the cottages could be lost within 20 years.

The National Trust and English Nature are opposed to building a sea defence because they believe nature should be allowed to take its course.

They said the barrier will only temporarily stop the cliff face from eroding and may put pressure on the surrounding cliffs.

The National Trust owns three of the remaining six cottages and has offered to buy the other three.

But residents, including Mrs Fawbert who has lived in her cottage at the protected beauty spot for ten years, have refused to consider the offer until the result of the inquiry is known.

Mrs Fawbert said at the inquiry the barrier, called a revetment, would be welcomed by the community and tourists alike.

She said: "It would make the beach a safer place as people would not be in danger from the crumbling cliff. It would not spoil the view of the sea and of the Seven Sisters, which is the place most people come to see."

Sasha White, representing Wealden District Council, said: "There is no easy solution to this problem. The case involves harm whichever decision is taken."

John Popham, representing the National Trust, said: "Number two Crangon Cottages is already too close to the cliff to be saved in any circumstance: even if erosion were to be stopped immediately, ongoing weathering of the cliff face would result in this property being lost."

The inquiry is expected to last for eight days.