The new King Charles Coastal Path is said to be under threat from a major new development just weeks after its official opening.
The move sparked anger among local residents, as protesters warned the plans risked “damaging the natural character” of the area.
Protesters strongly objected to proposals to build 30 homes on land next to where the British monarch, 77, opened England’s coastal path at the famous Seven Sisters cliffs in East Sussex.
Lewes District Council has presented plans for affordable housing on Chyngton Field, a 2.7 hectare site on the outskirts of Seaford.
The proposal has sparked fierce opposition from residents, conservation groups and walkers who fear it will damage an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The land lies just beyond a ridge of Cuckmere Coastguard Cottages, a row of iconic buildings with views of the Seven Sisters and which has become one of the most photographed places in Britain.
King Charles chose this stretch of coastline as the setting to launch the 2,700-mile coastal path, which has the distinction of being the longest in the world.
Recently, a large number of protesters surrounded the field to express their opposition. They argued that new housing should be built on brownfield sites rather than pristine, biodiversity-rich areas.
Rupert Kirby, one of the project’s opponents, said The times: “Development of this site would erode the natural character of a nationally significant landscape and set a worrying precedent for future encroachment on protected areas.
“It’s not about opposing development in principle, but putting it in the right place.”
The National Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust and Seaford Town Council have all formally opposed the proposals.
A National Trust spokesperson said: “The natural environment is one of the district’s greatest assets. We would like to see the setting of the South Downs National Park retained and protected, particularly its landscape qualities, wildlife and dark skies and we believe this applies to Chyngton Field.
The South Downs National Park Authority has identified it as a nature-friendly action area to support wildlife conservation efforts.
A petition asking the council to reconsider its plans has garnered more than 3,000 signatures.
A Lewes District Council spokesperson said: “We have carried out a series of consultations across the district which have given residents the opportunity to contribute to the preparation of the local plan. Tens of thousands of people have shared their thoughts and opinions during the various consultations over the years and we are all grateful to them. »
