Open space row

Neighbours of historic Gullivers Bowls Club are preparing to fight new plans to build on the green in Knole Road.

They face opposition from the bowling club who own the land and developer Churchill Retirement Living.

Forty-one sheltered retirement homes are planned.

But the club claims if the development is not allowed to go ahead, it will not survive a year.

The area is the town's only open space between Egerton Park and Galley Hill.

Gullivers treasurer Christine Lloyd-Evans said they were "property rich but cash poor".

They want to see retirement homes built on the south side of the club land with a new indoor bowling rink to the north and a new clubhouse to replace its current tired and asbestos-built building.

Churchill is offering them a lifeline to remain on the site with better facilities for their 140-plus members and to be able to encourage a junior membership.

"We really want to survive. We feel Churchill have done their homework and we are hopeful this time planning permission will be given," said Mrs Lloyd-Evans.

In 2003 planners refused an application by Beechwood Homes to build a mix of flats and town houses on the green space. They were ultimately swayed by a letter from Sport England which supported refusal.

Neighbours formed Gullivers Action Group (GAG) and won support from residents further afield to preserve one of the last green spaces in the town centre.

They stopped the building of two-storey blocks but now could face the possibility of four storeys being built.

A consultation meeting was held last month between the proposed developers, the bowls club and some local residents.