Dr Roger Smith of CPRE Sussex told the West Sussex County Times:

"Essentially this development is being imposed on Billinghurst by the developers – with the acquiescence of the councillors who voted not to refuse the application.

"This contentious decision signals to developers that they, not the elected representatives, decide where and what will be built in the district and that the views of parish councils are irrelevant. Democracy has been undermined by this decision."

Dr Roger Smith also called for Horsham MP Francis Maude to intervene to challenge ministers who have created what he called "this appalling state of affairs".