RESIDENTS fighting to save an "oasis" in their community were today turning out in force for the start of a four-day appeal.

Campaigners are hoping to see inspectors turn down an appeal by Gudgeon Developers to allow outline plans for 230 new dwellings on a field in Cranleigh Road, Portchester.

A group of more than 70 residents held a demonstration at the spot at the weekend to show their strength of feeling over today's appeal. It is expected to last until Friday.

Portchester ward councillor Roger Price also turned up to show his support and said there would be between 100 and 150 residents at today's appeal opening.

He said: "This development has come before the council and to appeal a number of times and has been rejected each and every time. The situation is no different now. It's an unnecessary development and will spoil the rural character of the area."

The inspector will make a final decision on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Campaigner Stella Bell, of Cornaway Lane, said: "This is a last plea to John Prescott to save our little piece of rural England in a quiet country lane in Portchester.

"We are all very quietly determined to save this field each for our own different reasons and we will be fighting this appeal all the way. There will be a lot of anger if the appeal is allowed."

The four-day inquiry follows Fareham Borough Council's refusal of the planning application last year.

Interested parties will be given the opportunity to listen to the appeal discussions and speak against it if they want to.

The appeal is being staged at Portchester Community School, White Hart Lane, Portchester, from 10am.