A campaign is underway in Niton to counter plans for around 50 houses on Ladyacre Farm.

A meeting of the planning committee of Niton and Whitwell Parish Ccouncil has been brought forward to August 2 at 7.15pm, in Niton Village Hall.

Committee chair Shirley Burridge told the County Press posters had gone up around the village urging residents to 'Protect Niton'.

However, she said this was a regular meeting of the committee, brought forward so that comments made by residents at the meeting could be forwarded to the Isle of Wight before it considers the application.  

"We want to hear the views of villagers and have invited along MP Bob Seely to hear our concerns," she said.

The development wants to use Pan Lane and Church Street for pedestrian access and there would be vehicle access from Newport Road.

Outline plans have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, on behalf of Tallulah Estates.

The proposed wrap-around development would fill in agricultural land.

Planning agent Andrew White said the scheme: "strikes an important balance of making efficient use of this site, already recognised as being suitable for housing purposes while assimilating comfortably with the density and residential characteristics that define the surrounding area."

Some local residents are opposed to the plans, however, and are urging Islanders to lodge comments before August 6.