A BATTLE plan has been drawn up to protect a Southampton wildlife haven from housing.

Residents of Upper Shirley have formed an action group to fight plans for four new luxury homes in Seymour Road.

Householders fear the proposals will destroy local wildlife and claim developers are already pushing ahead by re-moving trees.

Campaigners have formed The SO16 As-sociation to fight the controversial scheme and met yesterday to discuss tactics.

Association spokeswoman Linda Smart, of Seymour Road, said: "These homes could be the thin end of the wedge. The proposed area has been a wildlife haven for many years. One lady in the road has twice won an award for having the best wildlife garden in Southampton.

"The wildlife comes from the surrounding area. We all value our privacy too, and worry about security as this scheme would open up the backs of our houses."

Mrs Smart, 51, added: "There are also worries about increased traffic, being overlooked, extra noise and whether or not the sewers could cope.

"There are lots of young children living in the area and the road is already being used as a rat-run without extra cars being parked here."

Mrs Smart and husband Tony, 52, are organising a petition against the proposals by Glen-shire Homes for four new four-bedroomed homes. Residents are also planning to lodge individual letters of objection with South-ampton City Council planners.

Today Glenshire Homes director Lionel Thipthorpe stressed the application for outline planning permission had yet to be discussed by Southampton planning officers.

"We have written to all the residents there and the plans are for everybody to view," he said.

"Obviously there is going to be a hearing and everyone will get a chance to have their say, but this is four houses we are talking about not 45 flats."

Mr Thipthorpe stressed any on-site tree removals that had been done had been carried out with the blessing of a Southampton City Council officer.

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