Passions have been running high among villagers who are fighting to stop plans to build dozens of new homes.

More than 200 people packed the Holy Trinity Church in Westcott on Thursday, February 25, to formulate a battle plan in an attempt to stop Taylor Wimpey from building 40 homes in the village.

On Tuesday 50 villagers, some carrying banners, staged a heated demonstration at the proposed site on Lower Springfield in Westcott Street.

Residents are furious the land has been released by Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) as a potential site for new homes.

They believe the development will lead to increased traffic, create flooding problems and impact on wildlife.

Alex Segal of Westcott Meadow Action Group, which was set up to fight the plans, said: "The feelings on access, environmental issues and wildlife issues and all the rest of it are not things that can be just trundled over. They have to be looked at very carefully."

Resident Mike Flower, whose Westcott Street home lies next to the proposed site, said villagers blamed MVDC for setting aside the land for development.

He said the authority had released the land based on an outdated consultation carried out in 1982.

He added: "The overwhelming feeling in the village is that the council has never consulted the villagers about the impact of this development in terms of traffic and everything. We were very disappointed with the council that they have not done that.

"The developers are a commercial company and we expect them to do what they can with their company. Our grievance is with the local authority."

Catherine Hobbs, of Westcott Street, who also lives near the proposed site, attended Tuesday's demo.

She said: "People turned up to show community support and also to show that none of us are happy about the access.

"Most of the road is a single lane and has no pavement. The traffic up and down Westcott Street is horrendous anyway and if they are going to build 40 units that could be another 60 cars going up and down the village."

Taylor Wimpey, which has yet to apply for planning permission, has invited residents to view its plans at The Hut in Furlong Road on March 19 between 2pm and 8pm and on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: "We recognise that there is a great deal of public interest in this development, and we are keen to ensure that wherever possible we reflect the views of the local community in the plans."

A MVDC spokesman said: "If a planning application is submitted for the development of the land at the rear of Springfield Road, the council will consider whether the details of the scheme meet its planning policies. It will also consult local residents and take their views into consideration before determining the application."