RESIDENTS in Brentry are "disgusted" that the city council has put forward plans to build nearly 50 homes on open parkland near their homes.

The row is the latest in a string of campaigns which have been launched in all corners of Bristol against the council's plans to sell off parcels of land to improve parks and open spaces.

Members of a community group called Friends of Okebourne Park have collected 1,800 letters which have been individually signed by households in the area.

One of the campaigners, retired manager Bob Farmer, said: "Everyone is disgusted with the proposals, especially when we were promised it was going to be woodland and when you consider the devastation is would cause.

"The proposals would take away the whole fabric of the green space."

He said the council was planning to sell off part of the site so 49 homes could be built on the favourite area of the site.

He said: "It would be horrendous, not least because of the traffic problems that would be caused because the existing roads are already too busy."

The Friends are applying for town green status to stop any land being sold off or used for housing.

They are also handing in their hundreds of letters to the council in the hope of getting the proposals thrown out.

Mr Farmer, 61, of Knole Lane, said they were doing more than just saying "no" to any development.

He said the Friends were planning to improve the parkland themselves at no cost to council taxpayers.

They want to raise funds themselves for improvements such as benches, litter bins and improving the allotments.

They are working in collaboration with Avon Wildlife Trust so they get expert advice on preserving the natural open space.

Mr Farmer said: "The residents have taken on this area and made it their own.

"It used to be a problem with antisocial behaviour with burnt out cars and people on motorbikes, but that has all stopped now.

"It's a safe place to go and the top half is a favourite place for picnics because it gives these wonderful scenic views across to Wales.

"To build there is unimaginable."

The council revealed two months ago that it planned to revamp nearly 200 parks and open spaces in Bristol during the next 20 years at an estimated cost of £90 million.

The council does not pretend to have the money available and so it has identified 62 possible sites which could be sold off – mostly for housing – which could help to raise the funds needed.

Council spokeswoman Helen Hewitt said: "The publication of the citywide Area Green Space Plans and site allocations document follows years of work by council officers. The plans give local people some suggested ideas of what the next 20 years could bring in terms of investment in our parks and land disposals.

"We know people are very passionate about their parks and open spaces and many want to see improvements in the parks near where they live. To achieve these improvements we need to have robust strategic plans in place, which will inform future council decision-making.

"At this stage no decisions have been made. We are now going out to consult with local people to ask them what they think.

"Over the next 20 weeks, people can get in touch with us via the website, telephone, or write to us or come along to a drop-in event where officers will be on hand to answer any questions."

For more information on the Area Green Space Plan, visit the council's website at www.bristol.gov.uk/agsp

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