A bid to build 35 homes on an area prized for its wildlife has been thrown out by a planning inspector.

Inspector David Fenton dismissed an appeal by Whitgift Homes Ltd to develop the site between Wilson Avenue and Vines Cross Road in Brighton.

He said the future of the land should be decided in Brighton and Hove Council's local planning blueprint and criticised the council for having a confused outlook on the site.

The decision follows a public inquiry launched after councillors refused permission for the homes.

Mr Fenton said there was local support for keeping the land open but it had no great nature conservation importance.

He said its position on the edge of a much wider open space was more important.

Mr Fenton said: "It offers the potential of providing a quiet reserve on the edge of the large tracts of more open land."

The inspector said the proposed houses would appear dominant and oppressive for people living in Swanborough Drive.

But he also said there was an urgent need for affordable housing in the Brighton area which was not being met.

He said: "I can fully understand the bewilderment of local people when they have the council on the one hand seeking to protect the nature conservation interest of the site while another part of the same council is seeking to sell the land for housing development."

Mr Fenton said the council would now have to weigh up the nature conservation interest of the site against the need for housing.

He said if housing was ever allowed, a better layout would be needed with less impact on neighbours.