A Huntingdonshire community are "ramping" up its efforts to save their village's farmland by attending a peaceful protest opposing plans to build 47 new homes.

More than 45 people gathered in Warboys on the field off Station road on Saturday, March 5, to raise awareness and keep the pressure on Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) not to pass the planning application.

The protest comes after around 350 letters of objection were submitted to HDC by the Green not Grey - Station Road development opposition group on March 2, opposing the Longhurst Groups' amended plans to erect 47 new affordable dwellings on the farmland. 

Greg Sewell, organiser of the peaceful protest and one of the opposition group members, said: "We're not lying down, let's put it that way."

The Hunts Post: One of the banners made by the Green not Grey opposition group against Longhurst's plans for 47 new homes in Warboys.One of the banners made by the Green not Grey opposition group against Longhurst's plans for 47 new homes in Warboys. (Image: Greg Sewell)

"We're raising awareness in the village, and we're really ramping this up. I would love to have 400 people standing in the field showing their support.

Mr Sewell and the group plan to organise further meets every weekend until the date for a planning meeting is confirmed by HDC to vote on Longhurst's planning application.

READ MORE: Plans for 47 new homes in village rejected at 'emergency' meeting

READ MORE: Opposition group to fight plans for new homes in village​

The opposition group, which has 356 members on Facebook, hope to increase attendance week-on-week, and tea, coffee and savouries are on offer to all those who attend.

The Hunts Post: The field off Station Road in Warboys that has been proposed for development, and where the peaceful protests are taking place.The field off Station Road in Warboys that has been proposed for development, and where the peaceful protests are taking place. (Image: Greg Sewell)

The opposition group are concerned that because HDC owns the farmland, they say there could be a potential conflict of interest that could impact the final decision.

However, Mr Sewell added: "People are very positive and very optimistic towards getting our voices heard, and if it needs to go to a judicial review, we're happy to take it to a judicial review."

Villagers are against the plans for several reasons, including the pressures more housing and an added population will put on local infrastructure, such as schools, dentists, doctors and parking.

The number one objection Mr Sewell highlighted is that Longhurst plans to build on viable agricultural land that should be retained for agricultural use, which, if built on, would breach policies within Huntingdonshire Local Plan 2019.

The opposition group now plan to try and reach out to the planning officer/inspector to hear their case.