A campaign is beginning to fight any attempt to build homes on a plot of green land in Fulwood.

Described as a ‘meeting place’ for the community the grassy stretch between Garrison Road and Chapman Road needs to be protected according to nearby homeowners.

The land, previously owned by Preston City Council, was gifted to the Community Gateway Association in late 2015.

It was one of six parcels of land transferred, with the city council receiving back ownership of the long-threatened Truro Place, or Paul’s Pad, in Fishwick.

Philip Keep, who has lived off Chapman Road, and is one of 84 residents calling for the green space to be protected.

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He said: “Residents in Fulwood are worried that their only public green space is about to go for good. The popular spot between Garrison Road and Chapman Road is currently awaiting a planning decision.

“Residents are quite worried that this well loved green space is about to be developed into housing. It is a meeting place for the young and the old, for dog walkers and for toddlers to play. For decades residents have used this space to meet, socialise and play. There isn’t anyone without a memory here.

“First they designated this area of Preston as a Conservation area, which includes this small green space. But now residents are afraid that the council will go against their own recommendations and build eight new Community Gateway houses here.

“Residents are particularly frustrated as this land was swapped for another piece of land in Preston, Truro Place, that could have easily accommodated eight houses with a large green space remaining, whereas, if this land is built upon, there will be no public space left.”

Proposals from Community Gateway, lodged in April, outline how eight affordable homes would be built on the site.

You can see the full plans on the city council website where comments can be left.

What do you think about the proposals? Do you live nearby? Let us know in the comments below