A developer is proposing to build a new town of 10,000 homes in Sussex.

Mayfields Market Towns Ltd wants to create the town less than ten miles from the outskirts of Brighton and Hove.

The development would house up to 30,000 people and be built over a 17 year period.

The multi-million pound project, planned for 800 hectares of agricultural land, is likely to face fierce opposition from residents, with councillors saying they are “horrified” at the proposal.

The company claims the proposal could help alleviate some of the housing demand in Brighton and Hove, highlighting the fact that the city needs up to 19,000 new homes over the next 20 years.

Currently the city only has room for just over 11,000 new homes.

Supporters say the plans will also help meet housing demand in Horsham, Crawley and Mid Sussex.

It is hoped that construction work on the new town could start within five years if planning permission is granted.

The plans would dwarf the neighbourhood plan for Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common which currently identifies the need for up to 250 new homes.

The new town would see the construction of up to five primary schools and an academy with employment opportunities at a new higher education campus or science park.

There are also proposals for a retail high street and smaller parades of shops.

The developers, who have been working alongside housing association Afinity Sutton, say the new town would be a low-rise garden suburb.

Burgess Hill railway station would be the main rail link while a new junction with the A23 at Hickstead would be created for motorists.

Rosemary Burns, chair of Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common Parish Council planning and environment committee, said she was “horrified” at the proposals.

The parish councillor said she could not speak on behalf of the council until it had discussed the plans but said she thought there would not be one villager who would support the proposal.

She added: “It’s absolutely unsustainable.

“It would totally alter this area.”

Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common Parish Council leader Jon Wilkinson said he felt the plan was up to 20 years away from becoming a concrete proposal and was not necessary.

He added: “This is kite flying and it’s not a kite that we particularly like the shape or idea of.

“We appreciate the sea and South Downs impacting on Brighton and Hove but don’t look for alternative solutions for an overflow development for an urban town in a rural area.”

A Mayfields Market Towns spokeswoman said: “This new development would relieve pressures to increase development in many of the small, rural villages within these two districts and in sensitive parts of major towns.

“At the same time, Mayfields would also deliver huge infrastructural and community benefits which go above and beyond what potential smaller developments would be able to provide.”

What do you think? What would you call the town? Email letters@theargus.co.uk, visit www.theargus. co.uk/letters or write to us with your thoughts

You can also make your opinions known to the company behind the plans by visiting www.mayfieldtowns.co.uk