Eastbourne's figure of 4,800 new homes before 2026 remained unchanged in the review but Wealden has been told it will have to find room for 11,000 more houses before 2026 — 7,000 of which would be built in the southern half of the district.

This could mean new, large housing developments in Polegate and Willingdon — an idea which Polegate Lib Dem councillor Andy Watkins has condemned as 'stark staring bonkers'.

Cllr Watkins said, "To even suggest building 11,000 houses in Wealden with 7,000 of these located in the south of the area, in Hailsham, Polegate and Willingdon, is just stark staring bonkers.

"However daft it is though, it is essential residents tell the government exactly what they think of their 'vision' for the south east which, if implemented in Polegate and Willingdon, could result in concrete as far as the eye can see."

The government said affordable housing would make up 35 per cent of the total housing provision and added there were already more than 200,000 households on council waiting lists and more than 7,500 homeless households living in temporary accommodation in the south east region.

Communities Minister Parmjit Dhanda said, "The south east needs a long-term development vision that addresses housing shortages, tackles the threat of climate change and strengthens the region's economy.

"Despite the short term challenges of the credit crunch, our population is still ageing and with more people choosing to live alone the number of new households is growing faster than new homes being built.

"If more homes are not built now for the long term, the housing ladder will get even further out of reach leaving the next generation with nowhere to live.

"It is important all those who are interested in the future development of the area take this opportunity to comment on the proposed plan."
Full details of the latest South East Plan proposals can be found on the Government Office for the South East's website, www.gose.gov.uk

The consultation documents can be downloaded from http://gose.limehouse.co.uk/portal/rss/pcc/consult
Responses to the proposed changes are required by October 24.