WHILE the Baxter’s Field application now looks set to be determined at the High Court, a group of Summer Street residents are hoping to preserve part of the Slad Valley as a public open space.

An application for an area of land known as McNally’s Field – which is directly next to Baxter’s Field where developer’s Gladman want to build 112 houses – has been made to Gloucestershire County Council for the land to be adopted as a Village Green.

In order to obtain Town or Village Green status an applicant is required to show that the inhabitants of an area have used the land for lawful and legal leisure activities for 20 years.

This can include dog walking, picking fruit and using it as a children’s play area.

Summer Street resident Brian Smith has been heading up the campaign to secure Village Green status as a pre-emptive strike against any further development.

“At this point there isn’t a lot more we can do for Baxter’s Field other than hope the judge upholds the planning inspector’s decision,” said Mr Smith, who is the chairman of the Summer Street Open Space Group (SSOSG).

“But we can protect this area of land which is used by members of our local community on a daily basis from any future development.”

Although this campaign is completely separate to the Baxter’s Field housing application, there is a chance that if Gladman’s wins the High Court appeal and is subsequently given permission to build 112 houses on the land, the developer could seek to extend the housing development onto McNally’s Field.

However, if this Village Green application is approved then the land will be protected from any inappropriate development in the future.

“Whatever happens, we have to stop the excessive development of this area,” added Mr Smith.

“It strikes me that because of the ineptitude and impotency of our local councillors and their inability to produce a local plan that all of the speculative developers have taken up the opportunity to dive in and build on every piece of grass they can see.”

A public inquiry on whether the land should be accepted as a Village Green is taking place in the George Room of the Sub Rooms from 10am on Monday and the SSOSG is urging members of the community to attend.

The SNJ was unable to contact Four Oaks Developments Ltd, who is acting on behalf of the landowner, for comment.