Haboakus says a lot of false and malicious rumours have been spread about its plans to build nearly 250 homes on green space in Gorse Hill.

It plans to build 241 homes, including 106 affordable houses, on the former allotment site, Pickards Small Field, and the open space known as Kembrey Grass.

The developer says most of the parkland – including both football pitches – would be untouched or have its landscape and facilities improved as part of plans to invest £1m in the park.

Swindon Council has agreed to sell the land to the developer subject to conditions, including the £30m scheme receiving planning permission.

Haboakus started the pre-application consultation process with an event at Gorse Hill School, in Avening Street, on Saturday.

Haboakus project director Simon McWhirter said: “Unfortunately a lot of false and malicious rumours have been spread about our plans, so it was really good to have the chance to correct that disinformation and set out our actual ideas.”

He said he understood the rumours had been spread through meetings and people knocking on doors.

He said members of Bethesda Evangelical Church had heard their building, in Malvern Road, would be demolished, while Southbrook FC feared their pitches could be built on.

“The aim of this event was to paint the real picture about our plans and get feedback on a range of ideas and issues – and we came away with a much better understanding of people’s thoughts and concerns, he said.

“It is a shame some people decided not to enter into this democratic dialogue, and indeed have sought to prevent others from doing so.”

Josie Lewis, of the Friends Of Kembrey Grass, who has been vocal in opposing the campaign, said she had not heard any malicious rumours and her group was not responsible for them.

She said: “We haven’t had any complaints or anything from Haboakus.”

Haboakus will hold the next consultation event at Gorse Hill Children’s Centre, in Avening Street, on March 22, from 10am-noon. For more details visit www. haboakus.co.uk/gorsehill