A SPECIAL hearing is to be held to decide if fields in Brecon earmarked for new housing should be protected from development.

Campaigners want the sloping fields north of Camden Crescent, known as Cae Prior, to be declared a ’village green’ as they say they have been used for more than 20 years for informal recreation such as walking and tobogganing.

The two day hearing, to be held by an independent planning inspector, will take at The Elim Church in Brecon, on Tuesday, October 13 and Wednesday, October 14.

If the inspector recommends the fields enjoy village green status it could prevent any development on the land, which has been listed as suitable for up to 38 new build homes in Brecon Beacons National Park’s planning policy, the Local Development Plan (LDP).

A final decision on village green status will be taken by Powys County Council’s rights of way committee which will consider the inspector’s recommendation.

Camden Crescent resident Peter Jenkins, who had campaigned against the inclusion of the fields on the edge of the residential area in the LDP, said he will be one of around 12 people giving evidence of their use of the fields at the hearing.

"To get village green status it has to be demonstrated that the fields have been in use by the public for any sort of recreation or pastime for at least 20 years," said Mr Jenkins.

"There are a number of people ready to attest to this, but if the inspector rules in favour of the owner, enjoying the snow in Brecon which probably falls more frequently here than in many other places, will be a doomed activity."

The village green bid was delayed in April 2014 when landowner Adelaide Fellowes was granted a High Court injunction which prevented the county council committee from deciding the application as it had been submitted by local councillor Paul Ashton.

Cllr Ashton said he made the application because he lives nearby and has used the fields alongside other residents for the last 30 years.

The inquiry stars at 10am on Tuesday, October 13 at the Elim Church Centre, Canal Road Brecon and the inspector will also hear representations from those opposing the application.