CAMPAIGNERS have banded together to oppose plans to build a £15million hospice on green belt land in Leigh.

Havens Hospice want to build a new eco-friendly hospice on land in Belton Way West, near Leigh railway station.

Reaction has been split between the desire to protect green belt and the need for the proposed 16-bedroom hospice.

Mike King, of Marine Parade, Leigh, said residents had contacted him to oppose the plans and he is now acting as their spokesman.

He said: “We are meeting with the chairman of the Havens trust to persuade them not to build there. It would be very unpopular.”

Until now, the charity, which provides respite breaks and specialist end-of-life care to terminally ill adults and children, has operated in two converted houses in Chalkwell Avenue, Westcliff. But it has outgrown the buildings and is now looking for a site.

Mr King said the residents were not anti-hospice, but they did not want the new centre on green belt land.

Planning permission is set to be submitted in spring 2011. If permission is granted, the building could be open by early 2015.

Andy Smith, chief executive of Havens Hospices said: “We are aware some individuals are against our plans and look forward to meeting them to answer questions.

“More than 200 people attended our Come and See sessions in October and 87 per cent were supportive. In fact, 16 per cent who attended with concerns felt reassured when they heard details of our vision.

“The most important thing is to build a new hospice to guarantee care for future years. We are open to where it could be sited. We prefer Belton Way because it best meets the needs of our patients and their families. However, we are still considering other local sites.”