AN ENVIRONMENTAL group are angry after developers denied them access to green belt land for survey work.

Enfield RoadWatch, which is aiming to prevent development on the open space in western Enfield, say they were not allowed on the land by Fairview New Homes – despite getting 5,000 signatures on an online petition demanding that the area is not built on – and that no reason for the refusal has been given.

Fairview are currently managing the land ahead of possibly developing the land for housing.

RoadWatch say it took several months, in which Fairview either ignored or denied responsibility for the land, before they finally told the group that the request for access was being declined.

Ian D’Souza, chairman of Enfield RoadWatch, said he was disappointed by the hard line taken by the developers.

He said: “Our wish to carry out ecological, wildlife and biodiversity studies has been based on the unprecedented response from the community to save this particular piece of Green Belt land.  

“We felt that by carrying out our own totally independent studies we would get a clear unbiased report on the rich ecological value of this land.

“Our aim has always been to enter into fair and open communication with Fairview on this extremely important matter”. 

Sam Elborn, another RoadWatch member, said that the refusal to allow them to survey the land would only lead to more questions.

He said: “We have been inundated from local residents coming forward with numerous sightings of diverse wildlife, plants, animals and birds. 

“Having access to the field to carry out our own professional surveys would have given transparency to the community on this area. 

“Unfortunately, now the community will be left asking, what does Fairview have to hide?”

Fairview declined to comment.