PROTESTERS gathered at one of Nottingham's busiest road junctions for a last-ditch show of opposition against plans to build 450 homes.
Members of the Stapleford and Trowell Rural Action Group (STRAG) and other residents got together at the A52's Sherwin Island, at Bramcote, on Saturday to protest at plans to build homes on green-belt land at Field Farm, in Ilkeston Road, Stapleford.
Broxtowe Borough Council's development control committee has been recommended to approve the plans, submitted by Westerman Homes, on Wednesday.
Around 40 protesters – some in fancy dress – displayed banners saying 'Save Our Green Belt' and 'Don't Sacrifice Field Farm'. Some motorists beeped their horns as a show of support.
Zoë Cockcroft, chairman of STRAG, has lived in Mayfield Drive, Stapleford, next to Field Farm, for the past 35 years.
She said: "There are so many brownfield sites in Broxtowe that should be developed first, without sacrificing green belt.
"We feel the council will pass it, but it's so wrong and it's not the end for us whatever happens on Wednesday."
Peter and Barbara Hillier, who have lived in Derby Road, Bramcote, for 37 years, waved a placard with the message 'Once It's Gone It's Gone Forever'.
Mr Hillier, former chairman of Bramcote Conservation Society, said: "We feel very strongly about the whole green belt. With the tram works and the prospect of HS2 at Toton, there's a lot of unknown territory. There's so many aspects that need resolving and I think it's a worrying period for everyone."
Mr Hillier said that any development on Field Farm would add to traffic on Ilkeston Road and other roads around the Sherwin Island.
He added: "We've seen a tremendous increase in traffic."
Holly Smith, 26, grew up in Ilkeston Road and moved to Pasture Road a year ago.
Ms Smith, who has a daughter and step-daughter, said: "I grew up taking dogs for a walk on those fields. I want the kids to be able to do what I did."
If councillors give the plans the green light, the final decision will be made by the Secretary of State. The battle against housing on Field Farm has been rumbling for more than a decade.
More than 2,400 people signed a petition against the plans to build 320 homes in 2000, and the protesters won their battle the following year.
Plans for housing on Field Farm re-appeared in early 2010 when council officers claimed that creating 480 homes at the site would avoid the need to build on more sensitive parts of the green belt, including Trowell Moor.
Robert Westerman, director of developers Westerman Homes, has previously said: "The position at Field Farm reflects lengthy consultation with the council, stakeholders and residents.
"We've followed all concerns, including those of the community, very closely and we've taken care to respond positively wherever possible. Our considered efforts have satisfied all the technical consultees.
"The council's specialist officers acknowledge that this project provides the appropriate balance of ecological, environmental and transport provisions needed while helping to meet the need for new housing."
