CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop 725 homes being built on a beauty spot could be forced to give up their last-ditch battle if they cannot raise £5,000 by the end of this week.

More than 120 residents packed out Lee Chapel South Community Hall, in The Knares, Laindon, and voted to push for an appeal against the controversial Dry Street plans.

A judge threw out a written request by Basildon’s Green Action Group to hold a judicial review, but campaigners are now set to take to the stand at the High Court to argue their case in person.

A hearing date has been set for next month and a lawyer has been lined up to represent them, but they need to find £5,000 by the end of Sunday to cover the legal fees.

Cash will also be needed in the future if the appeal goes ahead.

Action group secretary Miriam Heppell, 52, of Gaynesford, Laindon, said: “We have got the will to carry on fighting this but, unfortunately, that is not enough and we can't deny we need the funding as well.

“Even if we go ahead with the appeal and lose, there are still options open to us, but we need money to be able to explore them.

“My name is on all the paperwork, but the turnout at our latest meeting proved I’m not the only one who hasn’t given up hope.

“Everyone has bills to pay and no one is getting pay rises, but what we have already achieved is remarkable.”

The group has raised more than £12,000 over the past year towards the ongoing battle.

If a judge sides with them on appeal, the Homes and Communities Agency, which owns the land, will have to come up with a whole new design – or the scheme could be thrown out altogether.

If the campaigners lose, they would have to pay Basildon Council £5,000 for legal costs.

Councillors gave the housing development the go-ahead last year, despite 838 letters of objection and a 5,000-signature petition.

Money raised from the sale of the 725 homes on the Langdon Hills meadow, which is classified as a wildlife site, would be used to fund a new South Essex College site in the town centre.

Longwood Equestrian Centre will also be built on.

To donate to the campaign, visit www.basildongag2011.

org.uk or call treasurer Pat Roberts on 01268 459349.