AN ACTION group that has battled to stop a housing development is hoping the fight will soon be won.

Plans to build eight houses on land which was once Wilderness Farm, in Deanhouse Lane, Outlane, were rejected in November, 2002.

Calderdale Council threw out the plans because the land was classified as green belt.

The developers, Halifax- based Pearson Brothers, have now challenged this to try to get the rules relaxed.

A Government inquiry to hear whether the land will remain green belt or be reclassified will be held in January.

But Gosport Action Group leader David Union of Grange Close, is confident of success.

He believes the council's decision will be upheld and no building will take place.

He said: "The developers bought the farm at the beginning of 2002 and immediately put in an application to widen and improve the entrance to it.

"We objected to this, because we were fearful they wanted to try and make it more suitable for a housing estate.

"But the council let them build that. Even though the developers said they were not planning any houses for the site they soon applied for permission to do just that.

"There was a lot of anger in the community. More than 150 people officially objected and a further 350 signed a petition.

"Luckily, the council supported us and the houses were not allowed to be built."

Although Pearsons did object to the classification of the land, director Richard Pearson admits the Government is unlikely to overturn the council's decision.

He said: "I am not confident because it is out of my hands. We are happy with the entrance and lots of people living nearby agree that it is far more practical now.

"We did not build that with a view to building houses. The entrance needed work anyway.

"I think you can challenge the development plans about every 10 years when they are reclassified.

"So we will probably have another go then," added Mr Pearson.