Residents who live near a planned development of affordable housing in Grantham, have launched a campaign group against it and they plan a protest meeting later this month.

The development, revealed by Grantham Nub News last weekend , is for 65 homes on the former Blessed Hugh More School site.

South Kesteven District Council says the homes on the 2.8ha site bounded by Rosetti Court, Tennyson Avenue, Burns Close, Windsor Drive, Scotney Drive and Sandringham Drive, would be for people on the South Kesteven District Council housing register – those who most urgently need a home.

However, opponents to the plans say the open space is used by dogwalkers, the site is at risk of flooding and the development could lead to traffic problems in the area.

Resident Elvis Stooke has set up a campaign group on facebook.

He said: "This is not the area for this housing development this playing field has been around for many years with in Grantham and is used by a lot of local dog walkers and young teenagers who use it for their quad bikes, etc.

"By having this development happening will lose our sense of community start seeing a large increase in traffic to Scotney Drive. This green space is (also) widely used by runners and joggers."

Mr Stooke says the development would also decrease house values in the area and people had moved their for the peace and tranquility it offered.

He added: "If we're not careful we won't see this green and pleasant land anymore what will see is concrete and roofs when we look at our windows in the morning."

Residents also say a covenant protects the site from housing development.

Now, they plan a residents meeting, with social distancing, on the playing field on June 27 at 11am.

Ward councillor Linda Wootten told Grantham Nub Nub News that "people are angry" about the proposal.

Coun Wootten continued: "There's a lot of public opposition. I have had residents contact me. They have also contacted Londonthorpe and Harrowby Without Parish Council and I can understand their opposition. It is a lovely green open space but there is also a need for social housing.

"I have recommended people go online and fill in the consultation because this is the pre-planning stage.

"I have an opinion. I can see both sides of the argument. At the end of the day, I represent the residents."

Last week, South Kesteven District Council began its consultation into the suggested development, urging people to have their say.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Robert Reid, said: "Social housing is needed across the country and a development like this would help SKDC meet its housing priorities.

"There would be a mix of house types and sizes built to the Lifetime Homes Standard, which will support residents' needs now and into the future.

"This proposal is sensitive to the surrounding area, with new homes no closer than 21 metres from existing properties. It would include public green spaces, improved pedestrian routes and footpaths to nearby countryside."

SKDC says the scheme is being considered as part of the council's Housing Strategy to meet the needs of residents, supply new housing for a range of tenants and tenancies, and provide good quality, sustainable and secure living, in an environment where people can thrive and achieve.

The consultation will close on 5 July and the council will assess any changes that may need to be made before finalising the proposal and submitting a planning application. The normal planning procedure will allow further comments.

Comments can be submitted online at https://blessedhughmoresite.commonplace.is

Anyone unable to access the survey and information online can obtain all details by contacting the SKDC development team on 01476 406080 or [email protected]