They are angry over plans by developer Brian Carroll to build a small caravan park on land once owned by philanthropist Stan Kuhl at Highfields, Toowoomba.

Toowoomba Regional Council principal planner Matthew Coleman told Caravanning News the project was still "undergoing assessment" but a decision was expected this month.

Mr Carroll wants to provide nine caravan sites, six cabins, two homes, an information centre and a swimming pool on a 6100sq m block adjoining the 5ha Peacehaven Botanical Park, which was donated to the community by dairy farmer Mr Kuhl five years ago.

But furious locals allege the caravan park would create a disturbance in the normally peaceful neighbourhood and would also be located on land where the late Mr Kuhl's home once stood.

They claimed to local media that the plan "mocked his generosity" and was against what he worked for.

Mr Kuhl, a member of an original pioneering family, was an avid believer in global peace and was actively involved in the initial design and naming of the Peacehaven Botanical Park. Reports say it was his wish that it should be a place of "peace and tranquillity for generations to come".

About 300 people have signed a petition urging the council to refuse permission for the development to go ahead.

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE