Villagers have risen up in protest against plans for more homes on their doorsteps.

Developers want to convert agricultural buildings in Patching, near Worthing, into four houses.

But 68 of the village's 80 residents have written to the planning department at Arun District Council objecting to the plans for Patching Farmyard in The Street. Villagers they say the development will destroy a part of the village's history.

Patching Parish Council chairman Sir Richard Best said: "We see this restoration as seriously damaging to this area.

"It also means the end of Patching Farm. This area has been known for farming for the past 1,000 years and we like to think it is one of the most unspolit rural areas in the county.

"It is not that we are against any kind of development but we are against what one might describe as a relatively large scale development, which these four houses would represent."

The parish council's and residents' objections are backed by the Council for the Protection of Rural England and the Society of Sussex Downsmen.

Pressure group the Patching Village Society also objected, saying the buildings would have an adverse effect on the rural character of the village.

Despite objections, officers at Arun are recommending planning approv-al is granted but with 15 conditions.

A report to Arun District Council's development control committee says residential use is preferable to the buildings being used commercially.

The planning application will be decided next Wednesday.