 Residents take battle to High Court |
Residents of a village in Rochdale go to court on Monday to try to stop developers building on land which they say should remain as a village green. The 16 acres of land - known as Cown Top - is currently used for sports and recreation.
Six years ago, developer Beva Modus, attempted to buy the land to build industrial warehouses.
But the local residents' association objected. They said the site had long been used by people to walk and fly kites.
Under the law, if a piece of land has been used for at least 20 years by local people without force or secrecy, then the site can be registered for use by the village.
Villagers put in an application with Rochdale Council for village green status in February 2000, and this was granted.
Beva Modus has since decided to take the case to the High Court. It argues the land was fenced off to graze animals, and was never open to the public.
Rochdale Council has decided not to defend the action - but the local campaigners will fight the move in court.
The case is being heard at the High Court in Manchester.
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