Verdict on village green

Campaign group Residents Against Greenfield Exploitation (Rage) had hoped to block any development on Chickenley Heath by having the land officially recognised as a village green.

But this week, the group learned that its application had been rejected.

Rage member Sally Mastronardi said the decision was disappointing, but the group was not ready to give up yet. She said: “We were always going to be the underdogs but we are fighting for a just cause as far as we’re concerned.”

Kirklees Council won permission to build 36 affordable homes on greenfield land off Princess Lane, Chickenley, last year.

In October 2010 Rage lodged its village green application with the aim of protecting the land and securing its use as a community space for leisure activities.

A non-statutory public inquiry was held this summer when an independent expert heard evidence from both parties.

The report from that inquiry has now recommended that the application be rejected.

Mrs Mastronardi said: “We’re still determined to do as much as we can to stop this.”

She said the group was taking advice on its next course of action.

The inquiry report will be considered by the council’s licensing and safety committee at Dewsbury Town Hall on October 27.