They took their battle to save a green corner of Huddersfield to the highest court in the land.

But campaigners who have fought for 17 years to stop development by house builders will have to wait a little while longer to see if they have won.

Members of the Clayton Fields Action Group were at London’s Supreme Court to try and end the worries about development on the site between Birkby and Edgerton.

But as they headed back up the M1 last night, the possible victory celebrations were on hold.

The five judges at the hearing have asked for more written submissions from both sides and are now expected to bring in a decision in about a month.

Community groups have been fighting to save the site from development since 1996.

Paddico (267) Ltd have been trying to get permission for homes on the site for many years.

The residents thought they had won when the land was designated as a village green, a decision backed by the High Court.

But developers insisted the fight was not over and the case was handed over to the Supreme Court, the highest legal authority in the UK.

Yesterday’s hearing was attended by Bill Magee and David Bowen, two of the members of the action group.

They heard submissions from barristers and lawyers but were not able to put their own case.

Mr Bowen said: “We are no less confident now than when we went into the courtroom in the morning.

“I feel we have put up a very good case, a very good argument, but obviously it all comes down to whether or not legally we are right.

“Our barrister, Mr Charles George, told the judges that the land has been used by local people for well over 100 years, even if the fight against the developers has been going only for the past 17 years.

“He cited another similar case from another town, and I feel we have a much stronger case than that.

“I believe our securing the land as a village green several years ago could stand us in good stead”.

Mr Magee has already pledged to carry on the fight, even if the judgement goes against them.

“If the developer does win permission we will continue to lobby Kirklees Council over planning permission and what type and number of houses can be built,” he said.