A NEW housing development of 125 homes looks likely to be built on grazing and scrub land despite the objections of more than 350 residents.

King Alfred developer Crest Nicholson seems set to be successful with its project for homes on the site north of Graham Avenue in Portslade.

Council planning officers have informed councillors they are minded to grant the outline planning application, which could allow for building work to begin next year.

Residents have warned the proposal threatens the well-being of the community and the character of the area will be changed for ever.

The development proposes to meet council requirements for 40 per cent affordable housing with 28 properties for affordable rental and 22 for shared ownership. The developer will also contribute £1.5 million towards improvements to schools, employment, transport, open space, indoor sport and public art.

Just under half the near nine hectare urban fringe site would be developed, with the remainder “undeveloped in perpetuity and enhanced for biodiversity and recreational purposes”.

It is proposed to expand a track between homes in Overdown Rise and Gorse Close currently leading to allotments as the main road access into the new development from Overdown Rise.

In the development, there would be a mix of one bedroom flats up to four-bedroom semi and detached houses,

The 369 letters of objection cited concerns about additional traffic, flooding, the impact on “oversubscribed” schools, doctors and dentists and destruction of wildlife.

One opponent said the application should be withdrawn because it had upset so many residents. The plans received two letters of support.

Ward councillor Peter Atkinson will speak against the plans when a decision is made at Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee next Wednesday.

He said roads could not cope, along with Mile Oak Medical Centre and school.