Seaford residents are celebrating after a planning inspector agreed land near their homes should not be turned into recreation grounds.

More than 500 people criticised plans to develop farm fields off Chyngton Way because they feared it would pave the way for a more permanent development.

A report published into Lewes District Local Plan revealed inspector Daphne Mair thought the land should not be used for informal recreation but might be considered for housing instead.

John Foxley, of Chyngton Way, voiced his concerns at a public inquiry held by Lewes District Council into the proposed amendments to the district's local plan.

He said: "We believe the inspector has understood our views right and we are pleased that she has actually recognised there is no need to make this recreational space.

"The housing will probably be an issue which comes up in the future and when it does, I am sure my neighbours and myself will have a view on it."

Mr Foxley told the inquiry in November last year he had sent 550 letters to households in Chyngton Way and nearby areas.

A total of 546 people voiced concerns about the proposals, which included using the fields as informal football pitches, possibly with goalposts and toilet facilities.

Mr Foxley said the site should be included in the area of outstanding natural beauty either side of the land.

The report, published this week, revealed the old brickworks site in Hamsey should not be developed too intensely and sites in Alfriston Road, Seaford, and to the north west of the sports park in Peachaven could be used for sports.

Mrs Mair outlined the need for another 620 houses to be built before 2006 and said this could be done in Peachaven.

She also said low-cost housing should only be required on larger sites.

She agreed with council's approach to development in the flood plain at Lewes and agreed one riverside housing site should not be developed because of the risk of flooding.

Details of the full report can be found on www.lewes.gov.uk under local plan proposed modifications, inspector's report on objections.