PETERSFIELD residents are showing their support for a threatened piece of land by hosting a picnic to ward off developers. An afternoon of fun to celebrate one of Petersfield's most popular family spots is taking place at Borough Hill recreation ground tomorrow (Saturday). Borough Hill residents are holding the 'community picnic' to draw attention to the land, which has been subject to proposals by developers to build on the site. Residents hope to preserve the land as it is, and have sought for Petersfield Town Council to apply for village green status for the area, popular with young families because of the playground at the site. An application for six three-bedroom houses with garages had been refused by East Hampshire District Council south planning committee, but the developer, Mr Hartnell, had since lodged an appeal against that decision. The picnic will take place from 12 to 2pm, with fun for all the family, including face painting, juggling, toy stalls, children's clothing, a story teller and live music. Organiser and Borough Road resident Sheridan Edwards said: "It is a fabulous green space and it would be shame to have anyone develop on it. This is for people to come along and show that they care about their green space, and to have a look at the playground here." Mrs Edwards, who visits the park most days with her two-year-old daughter, feared up to half of the land at the recreation ground could be lost if the proposed housing developments went ahead. Town council clerk Neil Hitch said securing village green status would "protect it from any form of development". While it can be a lengthy process the wheels have been set in motion after town councillors resolved to pursue the request from residents. Borough Road residents have previously collected signatures at the play area, from residents against development taking place at the site. To date four applications have been submitted for housing to be built at the site. Town council grounds chairman Bob Ayer, who is also a EHDC councillor, said 11 reasons had been given by the district council planning committee for refusal. "It would seem to me that the chances for a successful appeal would be quite slim," he said. "But I can understand your anxiety. "Borough Hill is not inside the settlement policy boundary of Petersfield, which would be a massive reason for it to be moved down. The fence is not inside the policy boundary for Petersfield. I cannot see much potential for development. One needs to think about protection of this land in general. We have to make sure that land sits within the settlement policy boundary."
