Planners and developers have hit back at claims that plans to build 3,500 homes on fields could cause neighbouring homes to flood.

Officers at Horsham District Council said they were working hard to protect residents from any flooding as a result of developments in the neighbouring Mid Sussex area.

Developers are looking at a 460-acre stretch of farmland to the west of Burgess Hill as the possible site for an estate.

Protesters fear if any development goes ahead it could lead to a surge in flooding upstream as groundwater has nowhere to drain away.

They are concerned areas such as Ashurst, Bramber, Cowfold, Henfield, Partridge Green, Small Dole, Steyning, Twineham, Upper Beeding, Wineham and Woodmancote could be affected.

Councillor David Jenkins, Cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said: "The council is keenly aware and shares local residents' concerns about flooding.

"The disastrous floods in recent years have served to remind us all of the importance of the issue."

The West Burgess Hill Company has approached the county council, suggesting the development along with a business complex, which will help to meet the growing demand for housing in the county.

Coun Jenkins said: "There are no easy options."

Martin Wilkes, director of the West Burgess Hill Company, said: "We are well aware of people's fears.

"We have already begun the process of undertaking a professional risk assessment of the potential impact of flooding."