RESIDENTS hoping to derail Kevin McCloud’s grand designs by having potential development land designated as a village green will learn their fate this month.

Neighbours around the Pickards Small Field site in Gorse Hill have submitted an application to change the use of part of the land in an effort to halt a proposed 200-home development spearheaded by the TV presenter.

The application will be heard by Swindon Council’s Footpaths and Rights of Way Committee on Wednesday, January 27.

Josie Lewis, who has led the campaign against the development, said she was determined to highlight the reasons she felt it was inappropriate.

She said: “This land is used by dog walkers, children, people going for a stroll. It is an important part of the community and serves a much better purpose than this development would.

“This is not the right location and that is what everyone in this area has said.

“I think there is a feeling that this will go ahead regardless of public opposition but it’s not right for it to be just ignored.”

The debate centres around a plot of land known as Kembrey Grass, which backs on to houses in Tiverton Road.

Some residents are opposed to the £19m eco-development Mr McCloud and his company HaB Housing propose for nearby Pickards Small Field.

The land is eligible for village green status if it has had community use for more than 20 years. According to Josie local people have been using Kembrey Grass for more than half a century.

Josie said was annoyed consultation had not taken place over the proposed development.

She said: “When this came up at a council meeting press and public were barred from hearing it. This is a public matter and the public should be allowed to have their say.

“This land is on over 100 people’s deeds and we have had support from allotment holders and people in Pinehurst and Ferndale Road as well as in Gorse Hill.”

Mr McCloud and his company have been proposing development on the site since 2007 but have had little luck. The Channel 4’s star’s 42-home development in Rodbourne has fared better, having received planning permission in October.

The meeting will be held at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street from 6pm.