CAMPAIGNERS gathered over plans to build homes on the border to the South Downs National Park.

Protesters gathered outside Brighton Town Hall on Tuesday at the start of the three-day inquiry into plans for 32 homes proposed off Falmer Avenue in Saltdean.

The Hyde New Homes plans were rejected in January despite council officers' recommendation that they be given the go ahead.

The development has been nicknamed The Laundromat by residents who claim the proposed white homes look like washing machines.

Opponents to the scheme want the land to be included in the South Downs National Park - the site was subject to a legal challenge over its inclusion to the park when its boundaries were being drawn up six years ago.

Resident Linda Whitby said: "Hyde can afford to hire a top London barrister to fight their corner, while local residents are fighting this appeal with little more than conviction."

The result of the inquiry is expected early in the new year.