DOZENS of homes could be damaged by the construction of a seven-mile tunnel to a proposed sewage plant, an inquiry heard.

An engineer representing Southern Water admitted yesterday there was a risk of damage.

He was speaking during the third day of a public inquiry into controversial plans for a £200 million wastewater and sludge treatment works at Lower Hoddern Farm, Peacehaven.

If the plan goes ahead, the tunnel would be dug to link the plant, off Glynn Road, with a pumping station at Black Rock, Brighton, and would transfer millions of litres of sewage each day.

It would pass beneath dozens of homes in Rottingdean, Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven.

Engineer Ian Allison said the work would be planned so there was a "negligible" chance of homes being affected but conceded there was a possibility of damage.

He said if Southern Water was given approval, it would carry out surveys on homes in the area before and after the tunnel was built.

It would be legally obliged to correct any damage caused by the work.

The admission has caused further anger among protesters who have dubbed the scheme "Poohaven".

They are concerned about the smell and appearance of the plant. They also say the amount of traffic it would create would make their lives a misery.

Protester John Hodgson, chairman of Peacehaven Residents Opposed to Urban Development, spoke after the inquiry was adjourned by planning inspector Ken Smith yesterday.

He was one of several protesters who said they were unhappy at the way the inquiry was being conducted.

Mr Hodgson said: "They are picking over small details when what we want them to do is have an informed debate about the principles involved.

"They need to get to the nitty-gritty."

During the hearing at the Meridian Centre in Peacehaven, Matthew Horton QC, representing East Sussex County Council, questioned Mr Allison on several aspects of the plan.

This included the design of an additional pumping station in Portobello, Telscombe Cliffs.

He raised issues over hoardings which would be installed during construction, the possibility of sewage turning septic and the method of removing treated sludge.

Mr Allison explained that between 30 and 60sqm of dried and bagged sludge would be removed from the Peacehaven plant each day on up to three flatbed lorries.

Protester Jack Walker questioned Southern Water about the treatment chemicals which would have to be brought to the plant.

Mr Walker, of Keymer Avenue, Peacehaven, said: "Bearing in mind there are schools in the area, it could be very dangerous if there is an accident and chemicals are spilled."

Mr Allison replied that only approved and secure methods would be used to transport chemicals.

The inquiry will resume at the Meridian Centre on Tuesday at 10am.