CAMPAIGNERS fighting proposals for a massive development at Coate are hoping to come face-to-face with councillors who will decide whether to allow the scheme to go ahead.

There are plans to build on the farmland between Coate Water and the Great Western Hospital and put up 1,800 houses.

The site would also include a new campus for the University of Bath and 35 hectares of offices an area the size of about 50 football pitches.

Now the action group Save Coate has pencilled in a public meeting for 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 11 at the Broadgreen Community Centre.

Invitations will soon be sent to Swindon councillors as well as Bath University management.

The group, which includes Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, insists any development would have a significant impact on wildlife at nearby beauty spot Coate Water.

Jean Saunders, of Swindon Friends of the Earth, is distributing petition forms. She said: "Coate should be a no-go area. The whole area is rich in historical and archaeological features. Any development would damage it and we can't let that happen."

The group's website has been flooded with messages of support from as far afield as Australia.

"Coate is dear to many people's hearts," she said. "Many people have happy childhood memories of playing here."

To obtain a petition form call Mrs Saunders on 01793 783040.