Residents have started a fighting fund to oppose plans for 90 new houses near their estate.

Folders Farm, off Folders Lane, Burgess Hill, is among a number of sites being considered by Mid Sussex District Council for development.

The council plans to build 90 houses on the greenfield site but has received hundreds of objections from residents, who fear it will make traffic a nightmare and destroy the area.

The objectors, who live along Folders Lane and in the surrounding area, sent in 353 letters of objection to the original plans.

At a meeting last night they agreed to start fund-raising to pay for a barrister to fight the council's proposals at a public inquiry next spring.

They have so far managed to raise just over £3,000 but need at least £10,000 for a barrister to represent their case at the inquiry into the Mid Sussex District Local Plan.

Roy Ward, of Saddlers Close, Burgess Hill, said: "I have elected to go to the public inquiry but I have found out that going along and just objecting is a waste of time. What they want is evidence.

"If we go with anything less than a barrister then I don't think we are giving ourselves a fair crack of the whip."

Around 75 people attended the meeting and most feared development on Folders Farm would be just the start.

They said the council would then allow development on the south side of Folders Lane.

Burgess Hill town councillor Andrew Landriani said: "I think it is too large a development for the location.

"It is almost the last undeveloped area in Burgess Hill."