PLANS to move allotments from the 2012 Olympic site to Leyton have angered local campaigners.

Waltham Forest Council received a planning application from the London Development Agency (LDA) in November for the temporary relocation of the Manor Allotments in Newham to Marsh Lane Fields.

If approved, the LDA would be allowed to move 81 plots, taking up around 13 per cent of the site, but would be obliged to restore the land to its current condition by 2014.

Campaigners say the site is protected Lammas Land, and has been public open space for centuries.

They argue that to remove it from public use, even temporarily, sets a dangerous precedent and could leave the rest of the fields vulnerable to the developers' bulldozers.

Rosemary Johnson, of the New Lammas Land Defence Committee (NLLDC), said: "Our main objection is that this is a lot of precious green space. Marsh Lane Fields is our land, our green lung.

"Call us cynics but we do not think we are ever going to see that again. If we let them borrow one piece of it, will we ever get it back?

"In an urban environment you need open land and green spaces."

The LDA disputes the Lammas Land claim, while the NLLDC is pursuing the land registry to clarify the matter.

If permission for the move is granted, no alternative amenity space will be provided.

During the Blitz, the site was used as a rubble dump but under LDA plans the allotment area would have around 60 centimetres of topsoil removed and replaced.

For eight weeks while that work is being done, the end of Marsh Lane adjoining Orient Way would be open to traffic.

Though the statutory consultation period is over, a council spokesman said comments would still be welcomed.

The plans are available to view at Chingford Municipal Offices, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.