Campaigners, councillors and residents turned out to discuss a plan of action for an under-threat green belt site.

Mardyke Farm in South Hornchurch is one of 47 sites that developers have earmarked for development as part of the Local Plan preparations.

The 32-hectare space is currently being transformed from a waste dump back into a public park, with work expected to be completed by 2017.

The work is being carried out due to an old 106 agreement that came to light when owners Ebbcliff attempted to build houses on it in 2007.

But it seems the company is trying its luck again and is proposing selling the land to Barrett housing company for the building of thousands of homes.

More than 100 people turned out for Thursday’s meeting, where speakers criticised the plans.

Chair of the meeting, Cllr Graham Williamson (South Hornchurch) said: “Residents have had to put up with dust, noise and vermin from the site for 20 years in the belief the land would be returned to use as a much needed public park. To be told that was all in vein adds insult to injury and must not be allowed to happen!”

The attendees vowed to fight plans to remove the green belt status of Mardyke Farm, as well as all the other sites included in the plan.