A huge area of woodland in a Kent beauty spot has been put up for sale – sparking fears it will be snapped up by a housing developer.

The picturesque 26-acre site in Gorse Hill, Dover – on the border with the village of River – has appeared on the market for £275,000.

It is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so any plans to build on the land would be subject to more restrictions and increased scrutiny.

But the site, which is the size of 15 football pitches, is being marketed with “development potential” and “impressive views” from its hillside location.

Former River parish councillor Sue Nicholas says any efforts to build on the site should be resisted to protect the village from being swallowed up by Dover.

“It is a nice piece of land and we don’t want it built on – many dog walkers use it,” she said.

“We want to keep the borders of our village and not join with Dover.

“We only need to look at Whitfield and see how it has grown so much over the years, with some of the development not even on brownfield land.”

River was originally part of Dover town until it formed its own parish council in 1987 following a two-year-campaign.

Mrs Nicholas, 84, was part of the first membership of the authority.

She has been following discussion of the Gorse Hill land on Facebook, where one contributor has suggested villagers should buy the site collectively.

Such a move could see 100 residents stumping up £2,750 each.

Another commenter says the area is know to have protected species such as newts, bats slow worms and rare orchids.

Barney Estates and Auctioneers in London is advertising the site as freehold land with vacant possession.

It says the plot has “development potential subject to the usual planning consents”.

The company’s sales negotiator, Elliot Bester, told KentOnline: “This is nearly 26 acres of woodland available and undeveloped.

“There is no planning permission at the moment so this is not sold as a development.

“It would be the buyer’s decision as to whether they would want to build a house on it or leave it as it is.

“Ultimately it would be the local council’s decision as to whether it could be built on.”

The land will be sold via an online auction on Thursday, May 25. The identity of the vendor is not being disclosed.