YATE Town Council has approved an investigation into whether village green status can be used to protect land earmarked for housing.

Earlier this month the Gazette exclusively revealed how residents of Brimsham Park had come up with the idea to help stave off development next to their houses.

Homeowners wanted fields off Randolph Avenue and Leechpool Way to be granted village green status to act as a buffer between the existing housing estate and a planned new development of 3,000 homes.

The idea has now been backed by some town councillors, who despite feeling pessimistic about the proposal, said they were duty-bound to investigate it.

Cllr Chris Willmore said: "Residents want to pursue this so we must collect evidence as to whether village green can be applied and then get legal advice.

"As elected representatives we need to stick our heads above the parapet and work with residents."

However, Cllr Alan Lawrance said he felt the council was being ‘used’.

"I fear the council is being used, or misused," he said. "I am just a little concerned about the council not appearing to be neutral.

"There is a danger of being linked to an investigation and I am hesitant that we are seen to lead on this. I really think it should be done by local people."

The council, however, agreed to carry out the investigation on behalf of Brimsham Park residents and will deliver questionnaires to every house in the area.

Cllr Mike Drew said: "It is well within our area of competence and we have worked on village green applications before.

"Particularly as this council is opposed to the development, we should use everything in our means to fight it."