IPSWICH: Furious protesters are today preparing to challenge the decision of borough leaders to sell a significant wildlife site for development.

Ipswich Borough Council has voted to sell the 11-acre site at Kiln Meadow, on the edge of Pinewood.

The site is sandwiched between Spring Meadow and Bobbits Lane nature reserve.

It is home to the largest recorded colony of toads in the country, according to wildlife experts.

But despite opposition from the Ipswich Wildlife Group, which is backed by other wildlife organisations including the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the council has agreed to sell the land to a developer.

The plans are for 170 homes to be built on the site.

Deputy leader John Carnall said the sale was vital in order to facilitate the council’s work to repair and invest in important buildings in the town.

“We believe we have struck a very good compromise and �1million of the money we get for the land will be set aside for new environmental projects all over the town.”

But Jen Jousiffe, of the Ipswich Wildlife Group, said campaigners were “absolutely furious” because they believe the decision was taken without the council listening to the views and advice from wildlife experts.

Ms Jousiffe said: “We feel the council have a duty to protect wildlife, habitats and species.”