RESIDENTS have renewed their fight to save a prized green space in Sale.

They are objecting to plans to build houses on land at Rothesay Crescent, Sale - for the second time within a year.

The planning committee is due to decide whether to approve the plan tomorrow (Thursday) - the recommendation by planning officers is for councillors to vote that they are 'minded to grant'.

Last year, 70 people signed a petition and 59 objected to the scheme to build five house on the green plot of land, which is also bordered by Glencoe Drive and Cherry Lane.

This was withdrawn by developer Hampstead Land Ltd before it was considered by planning chiefs.

Now, though, the company has come up with a new application to build two detached houses on the site, and 29 neighbours have objected to this.

The privately owned land is used as a playing field, by dog walkers and as a shortcut to shops by residents.

Campaigning resident Alec Marshall said: "Members of the community and residents past and present have used the green for years, whether it be walking dogs, playing football, playing out on, stopping for a chat or just enjoying a bit of open, pleasant green space as they walk along or across the green.

"Without it, the surrounding area will feel less open, less child friendly and severely limit the opportunities for families and children to gather and play out.

"We are determined to do everything we possibly can, to stop this unpopular, unwanted development and protect a well looked after and important green for the residents of today and those of the future."

The planning committee report says that the company has offered to pass the ownership of the area of land that is not developed to the council, for continued public use.