The Government's chief sports watchdog has objected to plans to build homes on playing fields owned by a Brighton sixth form college.

Sport England has told Brighton and Hove City Council planners it will not support Varndean College's bid to sell three acres of its campus.

The watchdog must be consulted on any planning application which would involve the loss of sports pitches, although the council does not have to follow its advice.

Campaigners fighting the plans said the watchdog's objection meant there would probably be an inquiry if the planners backed the scheme.

Christine Hearn, of the Varndean Action Committee, said: "It would look very bad if they go ahead now.

"They would be going against the wishes of Sport England and sport-minded people in Brighton and Hove."

Sport England said Dorothy Stringer School, which shares the Varndean campus, was likely to become a centre of excellence for football and the case for losing playing fields was not convincing.

Varndean College principal Alan Jenkins said all the schools on the campus were satisfied there would still be enough space if three acres were lost.

He said: "The college is disappointed that Sport England have chosen to lodge an objection to the proposal, particularly given that the proposals are supported by the Learning and Skills Council, the local authority and the schools on the campus."

The application is expected to be considered by Brighton and Hove City Council planners later this month.