THE long-running battle to preserve two green spaces in Blackhill, Consett, will be settled once and for all later this year.

Residents have been fighting for 18 months to prevent a developer building on two sites they consider to be parkland.

The future of the two areas, known as the Blue Heaps and the Top of the Park, look likely to be decided at a public inquiry.

Greg Coltman, spokesman for the residents, said: "We welcome the news and we are confident that the outcome will officially recognise the two sites as common land."

The row began in 2002, when developer Strathmore Homes bought the old Derwentside College site in Aynsley Terrace.

The group won the right to build 90 executive houses on the site, but withdrew plans for further development on the two contested areas, after protests from locals.

Residents have since filed applications with Durham County Council to have the Top of the Park and the Blue Heaps registered as village greens.

Under English law, an area that has been used as a local amenity for more than 20 years can be designated as common land. Formed out of the ore heaps from the heyday of the town's steel industry, the Blue Heaps has been regarded as common land for 40 years and is a popular spot with youngsters and dog walkers.

It has been used as a short cut between Blackhill and Consett town centre for decades.

The Top of the Park site borders Blackhill and Consett Park and is considered part of the park by locals.

Strathmore Homes director James Johnston said: "The village green application on the Top of the Park, would only affect the building of three properties, which are at the tail end of the development anyway.

"There are implications should decisions go against us on both pieces of land, but we will have to wait and see what happens."

A report by Lesley Davies, county council deputy chief executive, recommends that councillors set up a public inquiry to settle both matters.

Councillors will make a decision at a meeting in County Hall, Durham, on Monday at 1pm.