ANGRY residents have set up an action group against a “tragic” potential housing development in a Hampshire village.

Developer Persimmon Homes has recently made a bid to build 99 homes, car parking and public space on land north of Broad Oak in Botley.

The proposal has sparked fierce opposition among residents who have set up Botley For Gaps (BFG) in a bid to stop the development on what they call the last green gap between Hedge End and Botley.

Sam Trace, 39, a researcher who lives near the site, said: “We really feel we need to say enough is enough. I didn’t want the diggers to turn up and think I hadn’t tried enough. Finding out about the plan being submitted has been terrible. I was devastated.”

Dawn Russell, 50, company secretary, from Botley, said: “The problem with the planning application is that they are trying to build on a green belt. This is a strategic gap between communities and they are trying to put 99 houses on a piece of land that is not big enough.

“If the plans go ahead it will be tragic even for people who want just to walk along this road as they won’t be able to enjoy the nature in the field.”

Residents also raised concerns about the impact that the development could have on traffic and pollution.

Botley Parish Council has spoken out against the plan.

Chairman Colin Mercer said: “The developers are interested in the short-term gain, we are interested in the long-term community. “

The group will deliver leaflets across the village and launch a petition.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Persimmon Homes declined to comment.

The final decision on the application is expected to be made by Eastleigh Borough Council in September.