Villagers are hoping to use the last resting place of a 153 million year old dinosaur to stop plans for a football pitch and drainage pond on green belt land.

A total of 389 Cumnor residents have so far signed a petition against plans by Persimmon Homes to site a recreation ground next to Cumnor Hurst - close to where Europe's most complete Camptosaurus skeleton was discovered.

The remains of the 153 million year old Jurassic dinosaur were discovered by workmen about 130 years ago and are on display at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Campaigners claim altering the state of the fields could damage the Hurst Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - which was designated in 1986 for its geology and rare mosses, liverworts and lichens.

Priscilla Waugh of Queen's Close, Cumnor, said: "It's an immensely important site. A lot of people have been very surprised that this dinosaur discovery was made here. It is very special.

"It's part of our legacy, part of what makes living in Cumnor special, and it's something we need to look after.

"An area like this cannot survive as an isolated gem in the middle of an area of human development. It needs to be buffered against human activities such as parties, games, sports and simple thoughtlessness."

Protesters fear the rural charm of Cumnor Hurst could be destroyed by the plans.

The beauty spot is well used by walkers and joggers, and was known to be well-loved by 19th Century poet Matthew Arnold.

A planning application for a change of use on the site was not determined by the Vale of White Horse District Council. Persimmon Homes, which is also building 192 homes close by, is now lodging an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Mark Fiedorowicz, 41, who lives in Cumnor Hurst, said: "This is an important site. If dinosaur remains were found in the hurst who knows what other treasures could be lying on this land? I can't imagine seeing 50 kids on the land, trashing it."

Dr Vanessa Cheel said: "People are vehemently opposed to these plans. We need sports facilities, but this is totally the wrong place.

"It will undoubtedly damage the SSSI site."

However Natural England removed its original objections to the plans after Persimmon Homes said they would erect fencing and plant thorny hedges to protect the SSSI site.

Andrew Hammond, managing director of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: "The site does fall within the green belt, however the proposed form of use can be deemed acceptable in the context of green belt policy.

"It is typical for sites which have historic or archaeological importance to have conditions attached to the planning consent. Neither of the Cumnor Hill consents had conditions attached."