A public inquiry to decide the fate of land earmarked for 179 new homes begins on Monday.

An inspector will lead the hearing into a bid – orchestrated by the Menston Action Group – to have land at Derry Hill, in Menston, granted village green status.If granted, it would make development on the land virtually impossible and could override planning permission handed to Barratt Homes in February to build on the greenbelt site.

Bradford Council has said only 100 members of the public will be allowed into the Kirklands Community Centre in Main Street, Menston at 10am on Monday for the hearing.

In order for village green status to be granted, an applicant has to prove a site has been used by residents for at least two decades for recreation, sports and games.