CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a well-loved sports ground from development are holding a public meeting to drum up further support.

Save Oakfield Society (SOS)’s public meeting tonight (Monday, July 11) will give people the chance to learn more about Redbridge Council’s plans to turn Oakfield Playing Fields in Barkingside into 600 houses as part of its Local Development Plan.

SOS trustee Philip Postings, of Harts Grove, Woodford Green, is urging residents, ground users and any other interested parties to get involved in the campaign.

He said: “For years now it’s mainly been us speaking at council meetings, but this an opportunity for the public to have their say, as they are the ones who will really be affected.”

Redbridge Council first proposed using the green belt sports ground as a potential site for housing when its Local Plan 2015-2030 was first drafted in 2014.

SOS has been running a fierce campaign against the proposed development ever since, with recent conversations with a senior planning official at City Hall giving committee members a fresh wave of hope.

Chairman Chris Nutt said: “I’ve spoken to Nicky Gavron, chair of the London Assembly Planning Committee and Labour spokesman for planning, housing and regeneration at City Hall.

“She was surprised to find out how heavily the site is used, both by sportspeople and the wider community – I don’t think she realised just how valued it is.

“She seems to be on our side and she believes if the council does try to change the green belt boundary to allow for development on Oakfield, the Mayor will definitely intervene.”

SOS will be lobbying the council when it meets for councillors to formally approve the Redbridge Local Plan on July 21.

Once it has been approved by full council, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan can call in the plan for further scrutiny before it gets final approval from the Secretary of State.

The SOS public meeting will take place tonight at the Jack Carter Pavillion from 7.30pm.

Redbridge Council has been contacted for comment.