More than 100 people blocked a road to protest against plans to build homes on a railway allotment site.

They then formed a human chain along the fence of the threatened site in Highcroft Villas, Brighton, yesterday.

The protesters, organised by the Prestonville Community Association, presented a petition with 1,134 names to Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper. He will hand it personally to House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd at the first possible opportunity.

Rail Property has been refused permission by Brighton and Hove Council to build a three-storey block of flats on the site. It has appealed and a public inquiry will be held on May 3 and 4 at Hove Town Hall.

Meanwhile, the association has had plans approved for community allotments and a wildlife garden on the site. Mr Lepper said: "The turnout shows the support there is for keeping this land as a green breathing space."

Council leader Lynette Gwyn-Jones said: "It has been claimed there is no support for allotments but this is wrong. I congratulate the residents on the way in which they have organised their campaign."

Association spokeswoman Catherine Cole said: "This petition is an important and significant record of our commitment to preserving this allotment land."

A spokesman for Rail Property said there was no demand for allotments and the company had no intention of making the site available for gardening.

He added: "The board is remitted to obtain the best possible value for the land within its portfolio and a planning application for residential development seems the most appropriate action."

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