CAMPAIGNERS against a 270 home development on urban green space in Thackley will be on the steps of City Hall tomorrow to make a protest on the start of a six-day public inquiry.

A Government inspector will examine the arguments by Persimmon Homes in favour of its proposed new build on fields beside Leeds Road.

And he will also hear why Bradford Councillors rejected their own officers' recommendation to approve the Cote Farm scheme, on the grounds that the land was designated 'urban green space' and after hearing arguments regarding the impact on Leeds Road traffic and local schools.

Isobel Burgess of the Cote Farm Action Group urged all opponents to try and be outside City Hall at 9.15am before the inquiry's scheduled start time of 10am.

"It's just ordinary members of the public up against the men in pinstripe suits, that's how it feels," Miss Burgess said.

"But people can be incredibly proud of how they have stood up and tried their hardest to save these fields, the last ones on that side of Leeds Road in Thackley.

"At the end of the day, this is supposed to be urban green space and should be protected.

"If Cote Farm goes, it will be setting a new precedent," she said.

Miss Burgess said CFAG had received fantastic support from residents during the two year battle.

"And it would be wonderful if as many people as possible can meet us on the steps beforehand," she said.

Ward Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (LibDem, Thackley and Idle) said she hoped the inspector would note the moral authority behind the earlier rejection of the Persimmon plan.

"We hope the inspector recognises that there was a unanimous agreement between the public and councillors that this is a major urban green space which needs to be protected," Cllr Sunderland said.

"We understand people need houses to live in, but it more important to defend urban green space like this which is valuable in many ways including people's health," she said.

"We'd like as many people to come along to the inquiry whenever they can.

"I, for one, will try to be there for as long as I can be."

The developer, Persimmon Homes, had the right to challenge Bradford Council's refusal of permission, which led to this public inquiry.

Wayne Gradwell, managing director at Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, confirmed: "We submitted a planning application for 270 homes last year which, although recommended for approval by planning officers, was rejected by the Planning Committee.

"An appeal has been lodged against that decision as we firmly believe that the development will provide much needed new homes to the area and we remain hopeful that the planning consent can be achieved.