MORE than 30 homes will be built on land residents claim should be in the South Downs National Park.

The 32 houses and flats proposed for land the rear of Falmer Avenue in Saltdean will now go ahead after Hyde New Homes won an appeal.

Around 4,000 residents opposed the scheme, dubbing it the “Laundromat” for the homes’ similarity to washing machines. Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee rejected the plans in January 2016.

Land owner Ted McNorvell had won a legal challenge six years earlier against including the 1.36 hectare site in the South Downs National Park.

Under the plans Mr McNorvell’s own home will be demolished to create access into the newly created cul-de-sac.

Planning officers recommended the scheme for approval but their advice was rejected by committee members who said the design would have an effect on the character of the landscape.

In his judgement published on Tuesday, planning inspector Kenneth Stone said it was “a matter of fact” the site was not within the national park despite claims by campaigners Saltdean Countryside that it was only because of an administrative error.

Mr Stone concluded the development would not result in material harm to air

quality, traffic hazards or any neighbouring amenity.

One Falmer Avenue resident said: “We are totally stunned that so little weight was given to objections from the South Downs National Park and Natural England.

“It does make you wonder about localism.”

Cathy Gallagher, Saltdean Residents’ Association chairwoman, said the planning committee “fluffed” the reasons for refusal, focusing on design rather than the area’s lack of infrastructure, which left a very weak case to defend at the three day hearing at the end of November.

She added: “We feel let down. If a site which was an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can have approval for 32 properties, it leaves little hope for the rest of the urban fringe.”

Ward councillor Mary Mears said: “Residents have been totally ignored, its’ very concerning when very valid levels of concern raised by many, many people on why it should not go ahead is just overturned.”

A Hyde spokesman said: “We welcome the inspector’s findings and are especially pleased the inspectorate agreed with us that the development design for 32 family homes was ‘high quality, appropriate and well-conceived’.

“We know the need for new homes is high and we are delighted The Hyde Group is playing its part in the local community with these much needed family homes.

“It is hoped construction will begin later in 2017.”