FURIOUS residents of Lawns say they will fight moves that could see homes built on a greenfield site.

The area next to a footpath leading from Lakeside to Dorchester Close has been included in a strategic land assessment by Swindon Borough Council and earmarked for possible housing in the future.

But angry local people are already planning to take action, with a public meeting and a petition. And campaigners are meeting parish councillors today to discuss their next steps.

Cathy Caulfield, who lives on the Lawns, said: “I’m absolutely amazed that the council would even consider this.

“It’s not just residents that use this green space, dog walkers, runners, everyone uses the park.

“If this gets approved that will set a precedent.

"If we allow six properties to be built then how long will it be until this area is targeted for more?”

She added: “The space they have outlined is actually big enough for at least 14 houses to fill it.”

Stephanie Childs said: “This news makes me angry. I have lived in the area since I was young and now I enjoy living close to the lake and walking my dogs in such a beautiful part of the town.

“If this goes ahead it will just be the start and we will end up with the whole of the green space covered up before we know it. There are very few nature spots in Swindon and they need to be left alone.”

Adam Philips said: “I’m astonished that this is even being considered. I always come here from the other side of Swindon to run, the scenery is second to none. It needs to stay exactly how it is.”

Old Town parish councillor Nick Burns-Howell encouraged people to get involved in the consultation.

“This is a completely inappropriate site for development,” he told the Adver.

“Especially so close to Lawns which has such important heritage and culture value not only for just Old Town but also for the whole of Swindon.”

An interactive map has been produced as part of the local plan review and sets out showing that have been assessed as suitable for housing or employment development in the future.

It shows large sites on the outskirts of the town, many along the A419 and close to the M4.

It can be seen on Swindon Borough Council’s website and is open for comment from the public until November 12.