CONCERNS that Holton-le-Clay could be engulfed by "urban sprawl" were raised at a drop-in session to consider future development in the village.
Dozens of residents headed to the village hall, in Pinfold Lane, to have their say on the formation of the next Neighbourhood Development Plan.
Parish councillors are already putting together a plan, which includes potential locations in the village where 282 new homes could be built over the next 15 years.
It includes sites off Louth Road, Church Lane, Tetney Road and Magnolia Drive.
Jacqueline Avison, of Louth Road, has lived in the village for 37 years and fears the additional development could turn it into a town.
She said: "When we moved here, it was out in the countryside and we were surrounded by fields.
"A housing estate has already been built at the back of our house and now they want to build one opposite, too.
"It would ruin the character of the village and I really don't think there is the need for all those extra homes.
"We already have a lot of properties in the village that are standing empty and haven't sold."
John Block, 81, has lived in Church Lane for 15 years and one of the sites that is earmarked for development is behind his home.
He said: "I don't actually think the new homes will have a detrimental impact on the village.
"I am more concerned about the type of properties that are built. I wouldn't like to see these large, four-bedroom detached properties behind my house, but bungalows would be OK.
"Building 282 new houses does seem too many though because there aren't enough jobs for all those extra people to do."
Members of the Holton-le-Clay and Tetney Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering Group say they have started to produce a plan to ensure that proposals for growth set out in the East Lindsey Core Strategy have a positive impact.
The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment carried out by East Lindsey District Council showed the potential for 869 new homes to be developed in the village – but residents have been reassured that 282 is the maximum that will be included in the 15-year plan.
Parish council chairman Clive Blacklock said: "We are holding a number of drop-in sessions to give everyone within the community the chance to come and talk to us about the Neighbourhood Development Plan.
"I think it's important to keep having updates with residents as we go along.
"People are concerned about the 282 homes being built but it is over a 15-year period and equates to 19 a year, which is the same numbers being built in the village at present."
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'EVERY FIELD SURROUNDING THE VILLAGE WILL BE LOST' Margaret Hodgson, a resident of Holton-le-Clay, says: I have lived in the village with my husband Tony for 32 years now. We are here today because we are concerned about the changes that are being proposed in terms of so many new homes being built. When you drive through nearby villages like North Thoresby and Tetney they have managed to retain that wonderful village character, but I fear that is in danger of being lost here in Holton-le-Clay. It is such a shame because it is a lovely village, especially the church. We understand that changes have to be made and that the Government is pushing for new houses to be built, but the changes need to be made in the right way. If new houses are developed along Louth Road, every field surrounding the village will be lost and that would be a terrible shame. As far as I can see, what is being proposed will create a large housing estate that is nothing more than an urban sprawl. By the time these changes are made we will be elderly, but it's important that we put our views across to try and help protect the village.