Residents are protesting against a green housing development planned for a strip of wild inner-city land.

Householder Amanda Lloyd, 47, of Richmond Road, Brighton, wants to build four environmentally-friendly houses on part of the plot at the foot of her garden.

But furious neighbours say the proposal is impractical, will disturb wildlife, and may encourage others to build on one of the city's rare green spaces.

Sue Partington, 52, an artist, of Richmond Road, said: It's a complete wildlife haven. We're not going to let it happen.

"There are slow-worms, foxes and bats. The bats particularly like long corridors of green space.

"If this development goes ahead it's the thin end of the wedge. It means other people with these plots of land will think they can build."

The plot runs along the bottom of gardens in Richmond Road but only a few houses own parts of the strip.

Ms Lloyd said her development would show what could be done with sustainable inner-city development. Plans for three three-bedroom houses and two one-bedroom flats include a grey-water recycling system, domestic wind turbines and roofs planted with sedum or wild flowers.

Bird and bat boxes will be incorporated into the design and openings left in each house's garden fence so that foxes and other wildlife can pass through.

Ms Lloyd said: "If I don't do it someone else will, and if I do it at least I can ensure it's done in a sustainable and friendly way.

"It's looking towards the future needs of our city. I find it very exciting creatively."

Campaigners have picked holes in the development's green credentials, saying it is not as sustainable as it seems.

Parking is a problem in the area, and if a restricted parking scheme comes into operation there will be no spaces for the eco-house residents to park.

Ms Lloyd said she would encourage them to use bikes and public transport but Mrs Partington said there was no way of stopping visiting friends or family bringing cars into the area.

Residents are also concerned about access for emergency services, as the only access to the houses is up a narrow stairwell known as Cats Creep running between Roundhill Crescent andRichmond Road.

Residents are to petition Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee, which is likely to consider the application this month.