BATTLE lines are being drawn over a green field after developers revealed plans to build 180 homes there.
Two years ago, residents fought against proposals to build 350 homes and a 1,000-space park-and-ride on the Brizen Farm field, Up Hatherley.
Newbridge Construction withdrew its appeal in June 2010, almost two years after first unveiling its plans for the development.
Now a different developer has come forward with new housing plans for the field, the field, just off Shurdington Road.
Paul Fong, managing director of Hunter Page Planning, the firm putting together the application, said: "This is really responding to the urgent housing requirement in the joint core strategy area. Without a definitive plan at the moment we consider this to be a sustainable site for housing."
He said the scheme was "completely distinct" from the controversial proposed 1,300 home development in Leckhampton, with more details due to be unveiled at a public exhibition tomorrow.
"We are not walking into this with blinkers on – we are aware that there is disquiet about development in this area and I share some of that disquiet with regard to the Leckhampton White Land because I don't think that plan has been well conceived," he said.
"I do think our scheme represents a logical infilling. It fits extremely well."
Fighting
Leckhampton Green Land Action Group (Leglag) has been fighting to save green space in the area for 20 years.
Chairman Kit Braunholtz said: "We will certainly object to this strongly. We will attend the exhibition and make our feelings known.
"If they do put in an application we think it is a bit of a cheek because the joint core strategy is still in the melting pot so it is too early for anyone to put in applications until the future of the area is decided.
"We certainly think this is the wrong place to build. It should be protected."
Hunter Page Planning will hold its public exhibition at Hatherley and Reddings Cricket Club tomorrow and Wednesday between 3pm and 8pm.
Mr Fong admitted he would have preferred to hold them at a weekend.
"It would have been ideal to try and have them on a weekend as well but the hall that is most convenient for residents is booked up until Christmas," he said.
"The whole point of the exhibitions is we are putting forward what our plans are, in terms of lay out.
"The last scheme included other things, but this scheme just proposes housing. People will be asked what they think of the plans whether they be good, bad or indifferent."
