Bingley residents have just a few days to wait to find out if their battle to stop up to 440 houses being built on a site next to the Leeds-Liverpool canal has been all for nothing.

The Sty Lane site was proposed for housing three-and-a-half years ago by Redrow and Bellway Homes, whose most recent application was for up to 440 houses.

The plan was opposed by residents, who formed the Greenhill Action Group to save the fields.

Bradford Council threw out the application, but the developers tried to overturn this decision with an appeal. This was refused by a Government planning inspector who sided with the Council. Based on this, Secretary of State Eric Pickles dismissed the appeal.

But there was another twist – in December the developers went to the High Court claiming Mr Pickles had “made a mistake” by turning down their application. The court decided the appeal would have to be re-evaluated, and the decision is expected by Thursday. So far the community has spent £100,000 fighting the developers throughout the lengthy process.

Shipley MP Philip Davies says it would be a “travesty” if the plans for the site went ahead despite being refused twice.

The decision will come just a week after Planning minister Nick Boles visits Wharfedale to discuss the issue of greenfield development in Addingham, Ilkley and Menston. He has no plans to visit Sty Lane, with the Government claiming it would not be right for him to visit during a live appeal.

GAG chairman Terry Brown said: “A decision to approve the appeal will bring chaos to our community for years to come, let alone the potential for vehicle accidents at the Carr Lane junction and the impact on education and health.”

Mr Davies said: “I just hope we get the right outcome. These are the most inappropriate proposals for development I have ever seen. It would be an absolute travesty if it were given permission.”