People are rallying in a last ditch effort to save “the only bit of green space left” on a Dartford estate.

Dozens of flats and houses are to be built in Coleridge Road, Temple Hill, with work expected to begin next year.

Locals admit they are filling the role of David against Goliath in their battle with Dartford council, but are determined to do all they can to block the development.

Mum of four Lanette Safo-Wiltshire, 42, of nearby Shaftesbury Lane, said: “This is the only bit of green space left in Temple Hill.

“This is a 70-year-old estate we live in and we do not want to live in a concrete jungle.

“People might think Temple Hill is a dive but there are good people here and honest people here.

“We all work hard to make sure it is a nice area. We walk our dog here and our children play down here.

“Down on this space there are loads of wildlife and animals, we always see foxes playing there. When those bulldozers come, to watch the foxes run, it is going to be heartbreaking.”

A spokesman for Dartford council said a public consultation was carried out, but residents claim only those who live in Coleridge Road were made aware of the plans.

It means that dozens of others who come from other parts of the estate to enjoy the green were not given a chance to air their views.

Claire Stretch, 33, of Shakespeare Road, said: “This is somewhere to get away from it all and there is loads of wildlife.

“I have seen hedgehogs, and the other day I even saw a fieldmouse. I walk my dog up here a lot, too.”

Claire Barlow, 51, of Shaftesbury Lane, has lived on the estate all her life and is devastated it is set to be dominated by housing.

She said: “It is going to turn the estate into a state because it is forcing people to live on top of one another. This is going against the whole history and ethos of the estate.”

Planning permission was granted in January 2015, but one resident said he had no idea about the plans until recently.

David May, 60, who lives in Coleridge Road in a flat just opposite the green, said he would probably not have moved into Temple Hill if he had known about it.

“When I came down to look at the flat before I bought it I thought it was beautiful,” he explained.

“All this greenery and the wildlife is great for the people that live here and I had never heard anything about the building work.”

"This is going against the whole history and ethos of the estate.” Claire Barlow.

Residents say they will savour what is likely to be the final summer before the green is put out of use.

Once complete, the development will be made up of 23 two- bed houses and 28 one-bed flats.

Councillor Tom Maddison (Lab) for Littlebrook ward said: “I have a great deal of sympathy for local residents’ concerns regarding the loss of the green area at Coleridge Road, and the affect on the local wildlife.

“If there are any rare species of wildlife in the area, then it should be retained. However when it comes to homes for local foxes or homes for Dartford residents who desperately need homes, I am afraid I’m in favour of the houses.”