Opponents of the proposed development of rolling countryside in Midway are hoping history will repeat itself.

The emergence of plans to build on a vast tract of land opposite The Wheel pub, where footpaths and the accompanying views are highly valued by local residents, have provoked an angry reaction.

Terra Strategic is the company marketing the land to interested property developers - although any such scheme has yet to get anywhere close to the planning permission stage.

But the move echoes a similar campaign from four years ago. Then, a development for 95 houses in woodland, close to Leawood Road and Longlands Road, came close to getting planning permission.

Residents, however, fought against the scheme and won. One of the campaigners involved then was Samantha Sharland and she has joined Andrew Bennett who has set up the Save Midway Farm Action Group on Facebook for those opposed to the possible 38-acre development.

Samantha spoke to Swadlincote Nub News to talk about comparisons with the previous campaign in Midway and said. "I got invited to the group by a couple of friends because, four years ago, there was a similar development planned for the area behind Longlands and Leawood Road which thankfully got turned down.

"Andrew invited me to give a hand with the admin of this group.

"It wasn't easy fighting the previous planning application. The plan was centred around the wooded/grassed area which runs along the side of the fields in question at the back of the houses along Leawood Road.

"It was tricky, but there were a lot of people involved and they worked hard to get the various aspects which make this land such a special place looked into such as the wildlife and tree preservation orders, which were temporary to begin with but then became permanent.

"The effects on local services and the roads were also looked at and the fact that it wasn't part of the local plan helped our fight".

"At the time the council received 155 objection letters, and you can see from the Leewood Valley Facebook group, there aren't as many members as this group but the Leewood Valley Residents Association was formed, which gave a voice for the community.

"One of the members gave a three minute speech to the council at the planning meeting to say why it shouldn't go ahead.

"The developers put their points forward and then the council discussed and decided to refuse planning permission. It was all a bit nail-biting.

"We did hear that they were going to appeal but I don't think anything came of it.

"Swadlincote has had a lot of houses built here since we moved here five years ago and, whilst I appreciate there is a need, it just seems such a shame that they are being built on more and more of the countryside.

"One of the group members commented saying that this area wasn't classed as greenbelt, but it is open countryside.

"Where do you stop? Before we know it there won't be any definition of boundaries."

Samantha gave the background to the new group designed to stop the latest proposed development in the area.

She added: "Andrew Bennett set the group up because, like a lot of people, he was quite shocked and appalled to read that the countryside was being marketed for housing development.

"Pre-lockdown and during lockdown, the space has been invaluable for people, the footpaths are well walked and views appreciated, the space benefits people physically and mentally.

"The group had over 700 members in the first week and continues to grow.

"The Leawood Valley Residents Association will be watching closely along with members of the Save Midway Farm Action Group.

Samantha added: "The group will be keeping an eye on the company trying to market it and watch for any submissions for planning.

"At present it is not part of the local plan for housing.

"Andrew's put links up for people so that they can email district councillors about this along with email contacts for Heather Wheeler our MP as well."

Samantha emphasised the need for green space during lockdown to provide an area where people can get their daily exercise.

She said: "A lot of people on the group have mentioned the area being good for their mental health.

"One of the residents near me says years ago it was known as 'Lover's Walk'.

"It's got some real history to it. It was well used before lockdown, but definitely more so now. During lockdown people have discovered walks they didn't even know existed.

"So to think of those paths being taken away, has angered a lot of people as well."