A PETITION has been set up calling for plans to build houses on farmland in Ledsham to be halted.

An online petition was created by the Ledsham and Manor Action Group to oppose plans to build on 107 acres of greenfield agricultural land, south of Ledsham Road, for housing.

Part of the site has already been allocated for housing within the Local Plan and the remainder has been earmarked for future development beyond 2011.

Redrow, which says it could build 2,000 homes on the site, held a public consultation event in September. It wants to put a formal planning application forward this spring.

The petitioners list their main concerns as:

The loss of high-quality farmland that should be reserved for food production.

The massive increase in volume of traffic that would be caused by any development of 2,000 houses both on to Ledsham Road and neighbouring estates.

The risks of flooding and poor drainage solutions because of the land topography.

The use of greenfield land where there are sufficient Brownfield site alternatives less environmentally damaging, that could meet the local housing need.

The damage to ecology and a rich wildlife habitat from any development.

The potential exposure of new residents to health and safety risks from close proximity to nuclear reprocessing, water treatment works and oil pipelines.

The loss of open space much valued by existing residents.

The impact on the environment of long-term development, including utility service provision works, and heavy plant site traffic movements.

By signing, petitioners also give their backing to LAMAG to co-ordinate a neighbourhood objection to any development of the land.

The ePetition runs until April 30 and can be found at tinyurl.com/ 7yahedm.