Campaigners today appealed for cash to fund their battle against a Mid Sussex housing development.

Westbury Homes wants to build at least 90 homes on Folders Meadow, Haywards Heath.

Its application was turned down last year by Mid Sussex District Council but the company appealed and a public inquiry will start next week.

Folders Meadow Action Group, made up of residents who oppose the scheme, needs to raise £7,000 so it can pay a barrister and planning expert to fight its case.

Members say the development would cause traffic chaos in surrounding roads and lead to the loss of one of the area's few remaining open spaces.

One, Andrew Barrett-Miles said today this would be residents' last chance to make a stand.

He said: "This is the final stage of the process so we will know the outcome one way or another by the end of next week.

"The district council is providing its own representation but we felt we wanted to represent ourselves too.

"A small group of us have so far underwritten the cost but we are hoping others will come in and support us. When the inquiry is finished we are going to be presented with a pretty large bill.

"We just feel that this field is part of the environment for a large number of people."

The group has delivered more than 1,200 leaflets to houses in the area appealing for help with costs.

Mr Barrett-Miles said: "Even if people donate a small amount it will make all the difference.

"It's all right for Wetsbury because it can bring in the big guns.

"I think we have a good chance of winning but we are in the hands of the planning inspector.

"I am fairly confident but you never know when it all depends on one person."

The inquiry will take place at Mid Sussex District Council's offices in Boltro Road, Haywards Heath.

It will begin at 10am next Tuesday and is scheduled to run until Thursday.

Graham Bentley, of Folders Lane, said: "There is a lot of strong feeling in the area about this scheme.

"The area has been like this for generations and they are proposing a development which is not in keeping with it.

"We are anticipating a lot of resistance at the meeting."