Plans to build accommodation for more than 70 students near land rich in wildlife has sparked a protest by residents.

Loganberry Ltd, which owns the land in Mill Road, Epsom, submitted a planning application to Epsom Council last month for 11 new homes, with 77 beds, parking and bicycle spaces.

The proposal will replace previous planning permission granted to the company, on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate, for 10 family homes on the site, which have not been built.

The company has agreed to keep one-third of the site, which is home to badgers, foxes, lizards, votes, stag beetles and flora, as a wildlife sanctuary.

But residents showed their opposition to the plans by holding a demonstration outside the site on Easter Sunday.

Julie Morris, a resident who is standing as a Liberal Democrat candidate for college ward on Epsom Council, said: "We now have the prospect of even less green space being kept within the area to be developed and 77 students living on the site.

"Hardly conducive to a peaceful area for the wildlife sanctuary which is just feet away.

"We don't really want anything built on this site.

"It's a hugely valuable green corridor, should be left undisturbed and removed from the council's list of sites which are apparently suitable for housing."

David Waller, of Loganberry Ltd, said the accommodation would be made available to students at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), as well as other educational facilities such as Laine Theatre Arts.

He said building more student accommodation would free up homes in the private rented sector in Epsom, currently being used by students and which are "inadequate" for their needs.

Mr Waller said: "This is a brownfield site which is suitable to be developed into new homes.

"The problem in Epsom is we have got a university and other educational facilities which are suffering because of a shortage of accommodation and the accommodation that is available is usually in family homes."

He said the accommodation would have a traditional style and fit in with surrounding buildings.

To view the planning application visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/EEBC and click on ‘planning’.

Contact Ms Morris by calling 01372744297 or emailing jorrisam@aol.com to join the campaign.