They described it as a 'travesty' of justice and a failure of democracy.

John Jesson, of Lindfield Preservation Society, said: "This one person, the government planning inspector, can change the whole infrastructure of Lindfield."

District councillors met on Monday November 10 to decide the MJ Gleeson Group proposal for 120 new homes on fields off Newton Road on the village edge.

More than 30 placard-waving demonstrators were outside calling for the plans to be thrown out.

Inside nearly 60 people packed the public gallery and applauded speakers against the plans, which include Gleeson's giving nine acres of land for public open space and two acres to the Eastern Road nature reserve.

But after four hours councillors agreed the plans.

Justin Wilkes, of Dukes Road and Lindfield Action Group, told the meeting: "We are obsessed in this country with housing targets; what about biodiversity targets?

"We should reject it on lack of environmental sustainability and protection."

Action group chairman Bill Nicolle said: "I am appalled by the outcome. The fundamental issue was ignored and that means that, from residents' point of view, the democratic process has not been observed."

The application, the second by Gleeson, was again recommended for approval by officers.

Scott Chamberlin, for the group, said the inspector who conducted an inquiry in 2007 deemed the Newton Road site sustainable and so 'it was only a matter of time' before a planning application succeeded.

Mr Chamberlin said: "On Monday the majority of councillors accepted the advice of their professional officers who recommended planning permission should be granted.

"In doing so, the committee not only allowed 86 open market and 36 affordable homes on 8.6 acres of land but approved a further 9.2 acres (The Wilderness Field and part of Beggars Grove Field) as public open space, thereby ensuring they will remain just that for future generations and an additional 2.2 acres of the privately owned Eastern Road Plantation transferred to the Nature Reserve."

Read the full story in the Mid Sussex Times

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