DEVELOPERS behind a controversial student village plan have launched a secret letter writing campaign to win support for their controversial scheme.

Mike and Dave Bell, of Bell Developments, are asking friends to bombard the media, planners and Chester’s MP with letters of support for their plan to build a 2,500-bed campus on green belt land between Blacon and Mollington.

Mike Bell defended his actions saying he is only doing the same as opponents of the student village.

The letter appeals for supporters to back the project, which could also be linked to world class sporting facilities backed by Sir Steve Redgrave, by writing to local newspapers, planning officers and city MP Stephen Mosley.

The Chronicle has been copied in on the letter from the Bell brothers, which reads: “Can you spare me some time and write a quick letter of support for the Student Village and Sir Steve Redgrave facility. We must make this come to Chester!

“Please write to all the names listed below... then forward a copy to Siobhan (siobhan.jones@belldevelopments.co.uk) but the people below can’t see that you have done this. Find previous example letters attached. Thanks and see you soon. Mike and Dave.”

Mike Bell said: “We are only doing the same as the anti campaigners. We have just written to people we know about the scheme asking them to write in if they feel strongly enough.”

Mr Bell wants supporters to be represented in the planning process but explained that people who were in favour of a project were less motivated to put pen to paper compared with those who were opposed.

He added: “People who write in on applications are nearly always against.”