Most plans for new housing developments spark controversy because of fears there are too many homes.

But proposals for a site in North Chailey were forced back to the drawing board because they did not have enough.

Now Lewes District Council is preparing to renew its opposition to a major new countryside development after the new scheme revealed proposals for 120 homes.

The authority's controversial decision to grant planning permission for 40 new homes on the vacant land in North Chailey two years ago prompted the proposals to be called in by Secretary of State John Prescott last year.

The Government office indicated the scheme for the former NHS New Heritage site conflicted with national guidelines on housing density - with 40 homes on the 5.45-hectare site apparently an inefficient use of space.

It also noted the lack of affordable housing within the development, its isolated nature and the potential effect on nature conservation.

South Downs Health NHS Trust has now drawn up proposals for 120 homes plus alternative schemes for 71 and 48 dwellings.

All proposals will now go before the local inquiry, expected to take place in January or February next year.

The North Chailey Residents Association, Chailey Parish Council, Chailey Commons Society and Chailey Commons Local Nature Reserve Management Committee have all come out against the higher density proposals.

Members of the district council's planning committee will make their recommendations at a meeting on Tuesday. These will form the basis of the council's case at any future inquiry.

Planning officers are advising councillors to support the proposal for 48 homes but reject the higher density schemes, on the grounds they would lead to urbanisation of the area.