CAMPAIGNERS are gearing up for a fresh battle to save a ‘vital’ piece of land in Appleton Thorn after revised plans to build up to 74 homes were submitted.

Last June Bloor Homes’ plans to build 78 homes, on Stretton Road, were refused following three years of campaigning against the proposals, along with 170 objections on the application.

But a new application for the site has been submitted to the council.

The company said the development would deliver a range of properties, including two, three and four-bed homes, along with ‘a provision of affordable properties for those struggling to get onto the housing ladder’.

The revised proposals also include bungalows.

Bloor Homes has taken the decision to offer eight on the site following the suggestion that there was a ‘need’ for this locally during discussions with council officers and members.

Mark Waite, planning director at Bloor Homes, said: “We have completed extensive engagement with the community on these proposals and we are confident that our final proposals reflect the feedback we have received during this time.

“We have taken the decision to include bungalows on site and to revise the number of homes proposed as we want to develop a settlement that reflects the wants and needs of the community.

“We would like to thank everyone who engaged with us throughout the course of the planning process and look forward to members determining the revised plans in due course.”

But Campaign Against Ruining our Environment members have voiced their concerns once again.

A group spokesman said: “The new Bloor Homes’ plan again fails to give the village enough space to compensate for what would be lost in their proposed development.

“We want to preserve the open space our village field provides and are asking again for your support to save this vital open space for present and future generations.”

Furthermore, the application includes proposals for a public open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

It expires on April 2.