People of all ages gathered in Potterne on Saturday to protest at a proposal to include a play area as housing land in the village plan.

More than 50 people, some with their dogs, gathered at Blounts Court to show support for a Save Our Park campaign.

Anna Cuthbert, of Blounts Court, held a meeting at her home before the protest to discuss worries about the draft neighbourhood plan.

She said: “About 50 people came to my home and then others joined us at the play area. I volunteered to be part of the steering group at the beginning of all of this. We asked people about how we could improve the village. I had no idea that the plan would end up being about building on the parks where the children play and people walk their dogs.”

More than 100 people have now signed a petition asking for Blounts Court park to be kept as an open area.

Mrs Cuthbert said: “It was fabulous to see the community coming together to make our voices heard. People of all ages came out, teenagers, younger children, parents and older people who all use the park and value the space. Green spaces are part of the social glue that holds villages together.

“Blounts Court park has beautiful views and some majestic trees that help to create the character of the village. It was left to the village by the Stancombe family as a park and this should be respected.”

A statement from the parish council’s neighbourhood plan steering committee said: “The village has been engaged in preparing a neighbourhood plan for almost three years, seeking opinions by engaging in consultations and periodically feeding results back to the village at public meetings.

“A draft neighbourhood plan has now been prepared as defined in the Localism Act 2011.

“This draft plan takes into account the views of the whole village as expressed in a questionnaire to which over 60 per cent of households replied.

“However, at this stage, it is very much a draft, so more a presentation of options that can be considered to fulfil the wish of Potterne’s residents for improved facilities and homes for local people.

“It would be inappropriate to comment on specific aspects of the draft until the end of the consultation period, which runs until December 10. Residents are encouraged to make their views known and raise any questions about the draft before the closing date.

“The committee also seeks solutions to the problem of excessive traffic, such as village gates to slow traffic on approach, ways to stop Whistley Lane being used as a shortcut, restrictions for very long vehicles on the A360, which regularly block traffic for up to 20 minutes, and improved safety for pedestrians at road crossings.”