CAMPAIGNERS protesting against plans to build houses on a former sports field say developers have failed to gain support.

The Gaelic Athletic Association proposes to sell Gaelic Sports Ground, off Avery Hill Road, New Eltham, to developer Novalong for the construction of 268 houses and flats.

Novalong held a one-day exhibition at New Eltham Library last week to allow residents to look over the proposals.

But residents, who fear increased car pollution, destruction of the skyline and the threat to wildlife habitats, collected 134 signatures against the development, from visitors to the exhibition.

Malcolm Bond, of Residents Against Gaelic Environment Destruction, said: "Despite the owners' neglect and claims no one is interested in using the site, we have sports and recreation organisations queuing up to use it."

The proposal would include 268 housing units, parking, a medical centre, shops, a community hall and the six-acre Bardhill Sports Ground for public recreational use.

A spokesman for Green Issues, which represents Novalong, said: "It will be for Novalong to amend the scheme if there are views they want to take on board."

Greenwich Council's planning committee is expected to make a decision on the planning application in about eight weeks.

April 29, 2003 10:30