A campaign group set up in the wake of proposals to build on a historic green space in Diss is urging people to speak out to save it during a public consultation.
Scott Properties who are proposing building 24 retirement bungalows at Parish Fields, also known as The Lawn, between Shelfanger Road and Mount Street, are to ask the public their views during a consultation later this month.
The Parish Fields Friends group was formed locally to help preserve and protect the historic part of the town's green heritage for future generations.
Local resident David Whatley, speaking on behalf of Parish Fields Friends, says: "This is the beginning of the planning process for a large-scale development on Parish Fields - a beautiful and undeveloped meadowland in the heart of Diss.
"Again and again attempts have been made to build on Parish Fields over the years, and again and again the people of Diss have come together to reject the destruction of what is an historically significant part of our green heritage, not to mention a valuable refuge for wildlife and a meadowland officially designated as an 'important open local space' in South Norfolk Council's Local Plan."
Scott Properties first outlined its vision for the currently private and undeveloped land at packed meeting of Diss Town Council in January.
Under the proposals they outlined 45pc of the site would be developed for retirement bungalows and their gardens, including the removal of some trees, while there would be pedestrian access linking Mount Street with Shelfanger Road.
The Essex-based developers said they were seeking advice from the district and town councils, as well as other stakeholders, before submitting a planning application. They also promised to hold an extensive public consultation to take on board local concerns.
The public consultation, taking place at the Diss Youth and Community Centre on Shelfanger Road, from 4pm-7.30pm on Monday, July 15, will be a chance for the public to see development proposals in detail and have their say.
Mr Whatley said it was likely to be the only opportunity for local residents to meet the developers in person before an official planning application is submitted, and to see what Parish Fields Friends are objecting to.
He said: "We passionately believe Parish Fields should be preserved and celebrated as a vibrant green space for future generations in Diss and I urge everyone to express their views."
Anyone who cannot make it to the event can see more about the proposals at www.diss.mscott.co.uk between 8pm on July 15 to 8pm on July 29.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here