A campaign group has been formed in the fight against plans for 70 homes in an “area of beauty” which residents fear could be lost forever.

Hands Off Chapel Hill is made up of residents from Chapel Hill, Sloe Hill and White Ash Green who are all objecting to Go Homes’ proposal to build the new houses close to a Grade II listed barn.

The plans to build the homes on land off Chapel Hill were rejected by planning officers back in January due to concerns about the impact they would have on the countryside and the barn at Crowbridge Farm.

An appeal has since been launched by Go Homes, who told the Gazette the concerns about the impact of the development were “overstated”.

A planning inspector is likely to rule on the appeal later this year.

Peter Caulfield has launched the campaign group in a bid to get residents to object in mass to the plans.

He said: “The piece of landscape they want to build on is stunning. Coming from the Gosfield direction it is just beautiful and should be an area of beauty.

“The other thing that concerns is me is the amount of housing already being built. We can’t take any more and I do believe the town is at breaking point.”

Mr Caulfield, a retired police officer, says the group has primarily been set up to get residents to object to the development and he has warned against complacency following the initial refusal of the plans.

He added: “The idea is to make sure everyone objects to it and gets involved.

“Just because officers ruled against the plans last time doesn’t mean they will again.

“This could be the last chance we get to keep the land free from housing. If we lose out then it will be gone forever.”

For more information, visit the Hands Off Chapel Hill Facebook page