A final decision on a plan to build houses on open land in Harwood will be made next month.
Harwood residents have long been campaigning against the proposal to build 20 houses off Longsight Lane - and a fundraiser is underway for a barrister to represent them at the hearing.
First submitted in 2022, the plan was rejected on November 18, 2024, but the developer filed an appeal on May 16, 2025.
The Friends of Harwood and Longsight Park group have argued that the open space is an "essential area" for wild animals, people and flora.
A hearing will be held by the Planning Inspectorate to decide whether or not to grant on the appeal following a hearing on October 22, 2025.
Oaktree Developments, the company behind the plan, have argued that without development the land will become "unkept" and overrun by Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam.
They said that scheme was originally for 26 houses and they have made "over 25 changes" to accommodate the concerns of council officers and the general public.
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They added that they would be "widening the access to the public" in the area and creating new footpath links.
Locals to the area have started a Save Our Green Space Group, and are currently raising funds to hire a barrister to oppose the appeal.
Campaigners have said there are approximately 320 species in the two fields and that the green corridor must be kept to protect wildlife.
The fundraiser hopes to bring in £6,780 to pay for a barrister to represent local people at the planning appeal.
A spokesperson said: "Locals and councillors defeated the planning application but the developers appealed and it goes to hearing end of October 2025.
"This is three years of fighting and the best legal representation is needed to articulate our desire and legal case for keeping the land green, it is designated Other Protected Open Land.
"Every penny will go to the barrister fees, found for us by ELF, Environmental Law Foundation, to help us present a compelling case to the Planning Inspector at the hearing
Please keep these fields green!"
The fundraiser can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jane-wilcock-4
The spokesperson added: "We want someone to represent the people, animals and flora."