The Government has told a council not to allow the development of a crucial section of the Haywards Heath relief road.

Planning minister Nick Raynsford has acted over a section of Haywards Heath's new relief road and a planning application by the National Health Service Executive for up to 200 houses on land south of the former St Francis Hospital.

Mid Sussex District Council's development and transport committee considered the application - which included the section of the road between Wivelsfield Road and the A272 at the Birch Hotel - in April last year.

The committee decided to grant permission subject to a legal agreement with the council.

But the minister has decided to call in the application and to determine it himself because the proposed housing is on greenfield land. A public inquiry will be held.

Peter Martin, chairman of the council committee, called the move "quite astonishing."

He added: "The whole strategy of the adopted Haywards Heath Local Plan is dependent upon the completion of the southern relief road.

"The council has defended its case at a local plan inquiry and gained the support of an independent planning inspector.

"It is quite unreasonable for the council to go through the costly process of defending its local plan at a public inquiry yet again.

"The council cannot now be certain that the eastern section of the relief road will be granted permission.

"At best, the programme will be seriously delayed. At worst, the road may not be completed."