Residents in a quaint countryside village fear more than a thousand properties could be built just metres from their homes.

A 78.6-hectare plot of land across Hamsey and Cooksbridge, north of Lewes, which borders the South Downs National Park, has been earmarked as a potential development site for 1,100 homes.

Lewes District Council has been compiling an assessment on land in the area which could be used to build new properties, and people can have their say in a consultation launching on November 29.

But residents say that so far they have had “very little back from the council” despite “numerous requests for information”.

The Argus: Part of Hamsey which could be included in the site

“We have no idea exactly what they are assessing, whether this assessment has been complete or what the results of this assessment are,” said a spokeswoman for the Don’t Urbanise Hamsey Campaign.

Following the consultation officials will decide whether to include the Hamsey and Cooksbridge site in the council’s Local Plan, which sets out a framework for future development in an area.

"The audacity of the developer and land owner is jaw-dropping,” said the DUHC spokeswoman.

“This is a very special setting located right on the edge of the National Park. The views to and from the park are stunning and unique.

The Argus: Sunset on the DownsSunset on the Downs (Image: Submitted)

"We are appalled that Lewes District Council is still considering putting this in their Local Plan. It's madness.

"This is greenfield development on an astronomical scale. It would completely overwhelm the small villages of Cooksbridge, Hamsey and Offham and destroy our precious countryside forever."

The DUHC is trying to raise £10,000 to fight back against the plans.

The Argus: Hamsey at sunriseHamsey at sunrise (Image: Submitted)

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A spokesman for Lewes District Council said: “Highly detailed information will be available for residents to consider and share their views on.

“The council’s first phase of consultation that followed the ‘call for sites’ was hugely successful, with 42,000 representations received.

“Details of how to take part in the next phase of consultation will soon be available on the council website, the council’s social media channels and in the local media.”