PARENTS and children who are to lose a green space outside their homes because of new housing made a last stand against the development.

Charter Housing was given planning permission in December to build 32 affordable homes on the Playford Crescent and Handel Close area of Ringland despite residents opposing the plans.

Work is due to start this week, by construction firm Lovell.

But residents on the estate are still up in arms about losing this green space and claim Ringland is being overdeveloped.

Alison Sweetland, 41, has four children aged between four and 17.

She said: "The children will have nowhere to go. This space is ideal because we can see them from our homes. It's safe.

"Everyone is telling us children need exercise and fresh air, so I don't know how they can do this."

Although an existing play area is due to be upgraded as part of the development, she says most children play on the grassy area.

But, although developments which take up green spaces are often frowned upon, in this case, the planners argued that up until five years ago, there were council maisonettes on the site, which have now been demolished.

Nevertheless, Ms Sweetland and her neighbours fear Ringland is becoming overdeveloped and is lacking in green space for their children.

She said: "They didn't listen to us when it went for planning, so maybe they'll listen to the children now."