PROTESTERS have vowed not to back down in their bid to prevent hundreds of new homes being built in their village.

Around 100 campaigners swamped a public consultation held by developers after they revealed plans to build 275 properties in Overton.

Members of the ‘Don’t Pillage Overton Village’ protest group were among those who turned out at Overton Primary School, where representatives from Dandara formally unveiled their proposals for the Great North Field.

And in a poll conducted on the night by the Overton Society, 134 of the 150 residents who attended the four-hour consultation said they were against the plans.

Around half of those in attendance at Friday’s meeting took part in a vocal protest at the school, which was organised by Councillor Peter Baker and Mary Reid after Dandara posted letters to homes across the village inviting them to the consultation.

Cllr Baker told the Advertiser: “We are very pleased with the number that turned out to protest. It shows the love for that beautiful green field behind the historic church.

“We are preparing for a planning application by Dandara and we will be holding more protests, writing letters and attending committees to show our opposition.”

The announcement of the development has sparked outrage amongst residents who recently voted in a survey of different housing options as part of the village’s neighbourhood plan.

More than 600 residents responded to the survey, with 83 per cent in favour of several smaller developments, while 82 per cent preferred a “phased”

development.

The results were condensed into a draft plan which highlighted the village’s desire to have “a number of smaller sites phased over a 15-year period.”

As previously reported, Overton Parish Council chiefs have supported the neighbourhood plan, accusing Dandara of attempting to “bypass local democracy.”

However, representatives from Dandara say that the proposed site fits well with the village’s future housing needs.

Project leader Tim Parfitt, said: “In terms of sustainability it’s near the school, it’s near the station and it’s a ten-minute walk to the shops, so it’s well located.”

Dandara will now assess the comments made by residents before deciding how to proceed, but the firm could submit a formal planning application within the next six months.