CAMPAIGNERS fighting a four-year battle to protect former downland from development have reacted with fury at a council decision taken behind closed doors.

On Wednesday, in a session from which the press and public was excluded, Brighton and Hove city councillors withdrew objections which had blocked a 45-house development in Ovingdean.

Developers Lightwood Strategic will now be free to appeal against the rejection of its 2016 application for the green field known as Meadow Vale, south of Ovingdean Road.

The council said the discussion included legal advice relating to a live appeal so had to be held in a confidential session.

Councillors were recommended to withdraw two of their four reasons for refusal.

They then agreed not to defend the planned appeal.

Unreasonably defending a planning appeal can lead to an award of costs.

Chairwoman Councillor Julie Cattell said: “I recognise that this was a difficult decision for the planning committee.

“Our decision to refuse the application still stands and the appeal hearing will proceed.

“We appreciate that there is very strong public interest in the application and residents will be able to make their representations to the Planning Inspector who will ultimately determine the application.”

The Argus understands Conservatives on the committee maintained their objections and a split in the Green vote meant Councillor Cattell’s casting vote was needed to force the change of policy.

But John Richards of the Deans Preservation Group said: “The planning committee reached a decision on May 10, having heard all the arguments of both the applicant and interested parties, to refuse planning permission.

“Subsequently at the meeting this week the council have changed their minds.

“Why? What are the reasons?

“Surely in an open democracy arguments should be in the public domain, open to scrutiny and to be challenged.

“One of the reasons for refusal was traffic congestion and exceedingly high levels of pollution. The pedestrians of Rottingdean deserve to know why the councillors have now changed their minds.

“The public and residents should have the chance to debate these issues at the appeal.

“The decision reached behind close doors not to defend their decision reached at the planning committee hearing is shameful and undemocratic.”

The development would include the council’s target of 40 per cent affordable homes. The appeal will be heard on April 24.