ALLOWING houses to be built on a well-loved sports ground is “taking great risks with the health and wellbeing of our children”, campaigners warn.

Redbridge Council’s draft local development plan was approved by councillors on Thursday (July 21), including a plan to build 600 homes on Oakfield Playing Fields in Barkingside.

Despite impassioned speeches by members of the Save Oakfield Society (SOS) and councillors opposed to the controversial development plan, it was voted in by 31 votes to 21.

But SOS campaigner Philip Postings remains defiant the fight to stop the council releasing the green belt playing fields for development is not yet over.

Mr Postings, of Harts Grove, Woodford Green, said: “We may have lost the fight last week, but the battle still goes on.

“We must remember the council's plans have to go before London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has said that there is no need to build on green belt land.”

SOS chairman Dr Chris Nutt echoed Mr Postings’ defiant stance, claiming he believes independent planning inspectors will step in to save the site.

He said: “I believe the Local Development Plan is taking great unnecessary risks with the health and wellbeing of our children.

“When the plan gets beyond political stage, a planning inspector will address matters more impartially and find the Oakfield plans unsafe.

“The council has said the SOS campaign has been the longest and most sustained in living memory.

“Well believe me, we have the energy and motivation to go a long, long way yet.”

Speaking at last week’s council meeting at Redbridge Town Hall, cabinet member for regeneration, property and planning Cllr Helen Coomb said the decision to build on Oakfield was in the interests of “the borough as a whole”.

She said: “Our London-wide housing target is 16,845 homes, but we have calculated Redbridge needs over double that in the next 15 years.

“That is why on balance we take the view this piece of land should be included in the development plan.”

Redbridge Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal also guaranteed SOS campaigners they will have “better quality” sports pitches to replace the ones at Oakfield.

The Redbridge Local Plan will go out for public consultation this summer, before going to the Mayor of London and Secretary of State’s office for final approval.