An “eco-friendly” community could be created on undeveloped countryside as part of wider plans to mould the future of Brighton and Hove.

Brighton and Hove City Council believes it could create a community including 700 homes, a new secondary school, offices, community facilities and open space on the greenfield site known as Toads Hole Valley.

The council believes the 47 hectare site, between the A27 and King George VI Avenue in Hove, could become an example of One Planet Living, by becoming sustainable, ethical and with a low carbon footprint.

Former council leader Bill Randall described it as a “tremendous opportunity” adding it will help provide homes to some of the 12,000 people on the housing register.

But the plans to develop the site have been opposed by local residents who said they want to preserve the area as open space for future generations.

*For the full story read The Argus this weekend