It was always a question of when, not if, opponents of the sites suggested for Brighton and Hove's new sewage plant would find their voice.

The proposals were always going to provoke a passionate response from residents who fear their neighbourhood may, in effect, become the city's toilet.

A site in Ovingdean is on the shortlist of eight and residents there have wasted little time in making their opposition known, perhaps recognising their village is a front-runner to become the plant's new home.

Southern Water believes Ovingdean is an excellent site because no buildings would have to be demolished, it is close to the coast, near the main sewer and can easily be covered over once construction is complete.

But the very idea was greeted with horror by the 300 residents, representing more than three-fifths of the families in the village, who turned out on Saturday to show their opposition.

Their anger is heartfelt. Why, they ask, should they agree to green land next to their picturesque village being replaced with a five-storey building the size of four football pitches?

No doubt residents next to the other seven proposed sites feel the same about their own neighbourhoods.

But the problem remains - the plant has to be built somewhere. Some people are going to be unhappy.

Nimbyism cannot be the only factor in deciding the day. The rights of residents must be weighed up fairly against the greater good of the people of Sussex.