Residents are fuming over plans for a £2 million pub and restaurant in the middle of a green space.

Bass Taverns wants planning permission from Brighton and Hove Council for a 150-seat development in Benfield Valley, Hangleton.

The restaurant would be formed by the conversion of historic Benfield Barn, just north of Hangleton Lane.

The plans also show landscaping, open space, a golf caddy shop for the nearby course and a 101-space car park.

The scheme, which will create 100 jobs, is backed by valley owner Wilsco, which says it is essential to raise cash for renovating the rest of the green space.

But local Labour councillor Gerry Kielty said: "It is totally out of keeping with the neighbourhood and the conservation area.

"I will do my best to campaign to prevent this scheme from ever happening."

Coun Kielty said: "Ideally I would like to see the barn used as a conservation and education centre."

The Benfield Wildlife Group is seeking a meeting with council planning officials next week to explain its position.

Secretary Carole Robinson said: "There would be traffic problems in Hangleton Lane as a result of this. If there is a pub, the kitchen will overlook houses.

"Wildlife would be affected and we are already seeing a decline in the number of bats.

"The more disturbance there is, the more of a problem it becomes."

Mrs Robinson said the barn was in a neglected condition and added she would like to see it become a countryside interpretation centre.

Brighton and Hove Council is currently consulting people about the future of the valley.