More than 400 people battling against plans to build a block of flats in Ferring have won the backing of council officers.

Arun District Council received 418 letters of objection to the 30 flats on the village's seafront.

Now planning officers are recommending councillors to throw out the application.

They came out against the development on the grounds of the size and position of the proposed buildings, potential increase in noise, additional traffic hazards, flood risk and inadequate provision for pedestrians.

Applications team leader Keith Wheway said: "I wasn't surprised by the number of objections. It's a large development for a village like Ferring."

The planning application is for a two-storey development with 45 parking spaces at The Strand. Councillors will make their decision on Tuesday.

Dorset-based Grangefield Developments wants to build the flats on the site of six chalet-style houses.

Ferring Parish Council vice-chairman Tony Cooper protested: "This would change the peaceful character of the village.

"It is a pleasant, unique place, not a site for such a major development."

RSPB conservation officer Gavin Bloomfield said: "Little egrets, which although not rare are still fairly uncommon, are rather shy birds and would probably be put off using the river if there were flats nearby."