rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk

Campaigners from a Gravesham village have handed in letters from a third of its residents opposing plans to build hundreds of homes on greenbelt land.

About 1200 letters - one third of the village's population - were submitted yesterday by Alan Lewendon, chairman of Istead Rise Action Group, to Kevin Burbidge, Gravesham council's business director.

The public consultation concerning the proposals closes today.

Mr Lewendon, of Lewes Road, Istead Rise, said: "We're not saying there shouldn't be any houses, we are just concerned with the green belt.

"Istead Rise is like an island with its own identity - it would be a shame if it got joined up and ended up being just one big town."

Many of the letters highlighted the importance of the green belt in safeguarding the countryside, the need for farm land, and potential problems caused by increased traffic.

Mr Burbidge said: "The level of response shows how engages the public has been at this early stage in the process.

"It is heartening that the publicity has generated such a response."