A community has been left “bitterly disappointed” but will continue to fight on following the refusal of its application to preserve an open space.

The residents of Dovers Farm Estate, Rainham, applied for village green status in 2016 to protect the land next to their homes, but letters have been sent out confirming the decision to reject their application.

But Councillor Graham Williamson says residents will carry on trying to get the status for the land.

He said:” The residents are bitterly disappointed that the council was not prepared to support the local residents by saving the green.

“The council it seems are determined to support the Mayor of London’s voracious appetite to concrete over land for housing.

He said: “I am advised however that residents are seeking a judicial review to challenge the council’s decision and have engaged counsel to do so.

“Everyone will be wishing them luck!”

Residents applied for the status after receiving a notice from Havering Council detailing a proposal to build 32 homes in 2015.

A second proposal to build 30 two and three-bed houses on the space was then submitted in March last year while residents were still waiting for a decision on their village green status application.

Both of the proposals were refused.

The report on the open space, which is used for fetes, football matches and as a children’s play area, explains that regular activities and events can be held elsewhere, without causing disruption to residents and vehicles.

It says that “exclusion from some parts of the land for an event could not have unreasonably inconvenienced anyone who merely wanted to pass and repass over the land”.

The only objection made to the village green status application was from Havering Council.

Dagenham and Rainham MP Jon Cruddas said: “This wasn’t the result we were looking for, but it was something we anticipated.

“The land remains unprotected, and open to development proposals, but this is far from over.

“This isn’t just about a patch of grass; the community are prepared to fight this decision every step of the way, and I stand with them 100pc.”