An expanse of open farmland where deer graze and children play has been saved from being turned into a housing estate.

Residents in Allerton, Bradford, are today celebrating a decision to grant the land, known as Ellcliffe Quarries, official status as a village green.

The result has taken more than two years to arrive, since campaigners presented a petition signed by 154 residents and an application, under the Commons Act 2006, to Bradford Council.

The land is owned by two private landowners and is bordered by Chellow Dean Woods, Prune Park Lane and Allerton Road. But it has been used by nearby residents for rambling, dog walking and recreation for at least 20 years.

Beverley Porter, of Cliffe View, Allerton, who organised the application with friend Sharon Warden, said the plot was a “jewel” which boasted wildlife “belonging to a David Attenborough documentary”. Independent barrister Vivian Chapman QC was appointed by the Council to advise officers how the application should be determined. He had to consider an objection from the landowners and a prospective developer.

A public inquiry was held at City Hall at which the landowners and five residents gave evidence.

Mr Chapman published a report of his findings in which he said the land should be registered as a village green with the exception of a public footpath.

The recommendation was approved by the Council’s miscellaneous licences panel last night.

Mrs Porter said: “It’s lovely on a summer’s evening. You could be just about anywhere, yet it could have been people’s back gardens.

“Everyone came together and it’s made a massive difference. We had children drawing pictures that went to the inquiry. It’s a priceless little jewel.”

Among the letters submitted to the Council in support of the application was one from a woman who had used the land for recreational purposes for 80 years, and army personnel whose families make use of the land.