RESIDENTS have pledged to fight a council every step of the way as plans to build on a popular green space progress.

Proposals to build houses on land close to Bellburn Lane, off Brinkburn Road, in Darlington have been met with strong opposition.

The development – which forms part of Darlington Borough Council’s Making and Growing Places Development Plan – initially called for the erection of 32 homes on a field commonly used for recreational purposes.

The Bellburn Lane proposals sparked numerous concerns from local residents and a recent amendment expanding the plan to incorporate 50 properties has been met with anger.

Jools Aspinall – who has lived in the area for ten years – has slammed the council for swallowing up valuable communal space with the development.

She said: “This field is our village green. Our kids grew up on it, there’s a huge amount of wildlife and we’ve always appreciated the space.

“We will prove this space is an integral part of our community that we’re passionate about.

“People are heartbroken and we will not let the council do this.”

In a bid to demonstrate how well used the site is, residents have organised a fun day on the field.

The event - taking place from 2pm on Sunday, June 15 - will see the neighbourhood come together to enjoy a series of activities including kiting, games and picnics.

Ms Aspinall said: “We will show them exactly how we use this field, everything we’re going to do we do there every day, whether it’s having a picnic, walking a dog or playing games.”

A public consultation concerning the plan is still underway and a drop-in session with council officers will take place at St Mary’s Community Centre, in Cockerton, on Wednesday, June 18 from 4.30pm until 6.30pm.

A council spokeswoman said: “The local plan is out to consultation so people can have their say on the borough-wide housing proposal.

“New housing is essential to support our ambitions for economic growth and a better quality of life for all, as well as helping us meet local housing need, so it’s important that people let us know what they think.”

The development plan aims to build more than 700 homes on apparently unused land across the town.

For more information about the residents’ campaign, visit bellburngreenspace.btck.co.uk.