Families told how they 'wouldn't budge an inch' as they voiced major concerns over plans to build on green spaces in Dorchester.

Objections were expressed by scores of residents as an open meeting was convened by housing association Magna.

The firm is proposing to develop affordable housing on green space at five locations in Dorchester, namely Fortress Green, Elizabeth Gardens, Poundbury Crescent, Mellstock Avenue and Sandringham Annexe.

House prices, hedgehogs and the need for green open spaces were chewed over at the public consultation held at the Corn Exchange.

The first consultation exercise lasted from early afternoon into the evening, with representatives of the council and Magna discussing the issues at stake with members of the public.

Paul Read, Magna's head of development, said: "It's really good to consult with the public about this. I think people recognise the need for affordable housing in Dorchester."

Asked for his response to opposing voices, he spoke of the need for a 'balance' between keeping space open for leisure activities and building new houses.

"We've had a housing crisis for 20 years – it's not going away," he said.

Alistair Chisholm, a town councillor and town crier, said: "It is a fantastic opportunity for Dorchester. Yes, we need open spaces, but we also need affordable homes. The price of housing around here is obscene."

He added that as Dorchester was a small town situated amid 'beautiful and accessible' countryside, urban green spaces were less necessary than in a large city.

But townsfolk living near the proposed developments were less effusive.

"It would be a shame to lose our green spaces – we're already lacking in them," argued Robert and Mary Buckler, who have lived on Marie Road off Elizabeth Gardens for more than 50 years.

Meanwhile, Marion Cooper had different concerns. noting that the proposal to build on Sandringham Annexe had failed to take into account local wildlife.

"The green space serves as a 'green corridor' used by hedgehogs to get around," said Mrs Cooper, a 20-year resident of Nonesuch Close, adding that research showed that the UK hedgehog population had halved since the turn of the century. "They are wonderful animals.

"It isn't just the roads and the traffic [that are a potential problem]. It's about maintaining green spaces for nature." She added that a neighbour of hers used the local green to fly a pair of hawks.

Gerald Duke, who sits on both the town and district councils, agreed.

"Apart perhaps from Sandringham Annexe, none of the proposed sites are viable," said Cllr Duke, an early opponent of the plans. "Of course we need development, but it has to be regulated. We want to keep Victoria Park.

"People don't want to get into their cars and drive into the countryside to enjoy green spaces."

At around six o'clock, a group of some 50 members of the Save Fortress Green group marched from their estate to the meeting.

Co-ordinator Darren Orchard, 39, said afterwards that his group 'would not give an inch', and that he was confident they had managed to get their points across to the councillors present.

"They admit that the audit they've used [to assess usage of the green] doesn't apply. They also haven't considered the problem of drainage," said Mr Orchard, who recently moved back to Fortress Green after growing up on the estate.

"We won't budge an inch," he added.

"We are adamant that we don't want to see any building on Fortress Green."