A BEAUTY spot in Stapleton could finally be protected from development after a recommendation it should become a town green.
Residents have been fighting to keep Grove Wood safe for three years, and their long battle may come to an end this week.
Bristol City Council officers have recommended the 12-acre site is registered as a green, in line with an independent inspector's report.
A decision is due to be made by the council's public rights of way protection committee on Thursday.
Steve Micklewright made the original application on behalf of Snuff Mills Action Group.
But there was an objection from the land owner Houshang Jafari, pictured.
That led to a public inquiry, held over six days in April and August last year.
Independent inspector Leslie Blohm QC heard evidence from residents that the land had been in use for recreation for at least 20 years, the requirement for sites to be registered as town greens.
Mr Jafari had argued the land was not sufficiently used by local people to justify the designation.
But the inspector disagreed and made a recommendation for approval.
In his report, Mr Blohm said: "I accept the evidence of the witnesses called on behalf of the applicants, to the effect that they and others have for many years used Grove Wood for recreation.
"The evidence demonstrates that this usage has been varied, including rambling, dog walking, play with and by children, mountain and BMX biking."
Grove Wood became a source of contention between residents and Mr Jafari after the felling of trees and bulldozing of some of the woods in January, 2008.
Mr Micklewright has asked residents who want the site protected to write to the rights of way committee before the meeting on Thursday.
Posting on the group's website, Mr Micklewright said: "Together we have persuaded the council to place a Woodland Tree Preservation Order on Grove Wood, protecting every tree, big or small, and campaigned so Jafari's permitted development rights have been removed, preventing new containers or fencing going up in the woods.
"Now we need to do one last thing to protect Grove Wood – protect our rights to enjoy it by encouraging the council to register it as a town green."
Comments on the application should be emailed to democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk by noon tomorrow, with the subject line "FAO PROW Committee 15th March: Grove Wood Town Green Statement".
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