By Julian Seva

CAMPAIGNERS are opposing plans for new homes on land in Lakeside, calling on Redditch Council to build community facilities instead.

The disused allotments behind Sillins Avenue have been earmarked for social housing and a preliminary planning application will soon be submitted.

But nearby resident Graham Hughes and some of his neighbours are calling for a rethink.

Mr Hughes said: "We want community rooms on the allotments, something that Lakeside is in desperate need of. We need to make Lakeside a better place to live for residents already here, instead of cramming more houses into an area that lacks amenities.

"The council intend to 'dispose of open space land' that runs alongside the allotments, including a well-used tarmac footpath, for residential development. The combined area will accommodate many houses, but at what cost?

"The 'rec' play area is Lakeside's only proper play area. Others have already been taken away or built on in favour of the rec being upgraded.

"The rec has a well-used basketball court which will be right next to the houses, if the land is sold off. The play area itself was moved from one end of the rec to the other two years ago after complaints from residents on Holloway Lane, regarding noise and antisocial behaviour."

Mr Hughes added: "Community rooms could be used for many purposes including meetings, a creche, youth group, indoor sports, or pensioner groups. This would be an ideal location."

However council leader David Cartwright said there had been wide-ranging consultation on the issue by ward councillors and the evidence suggested most people in the area were happy to see housing built on the land.

But he added people could still object to the plans if they wanted to during the planning stages.