A 10 year long campaign to secure a North Staffordshire green space which is the 'fabric of the area' is close to ending.

The battle to register the Sandy Lane green space as a town or village green began in 2016. If approved, the land would be protected from all future development.

The land had been previously earmarked for sale and future housing development. As part of the commitment to protecting the space, Newcastle Borough Council removed the immediate threat of development in the latest local plan.

To be eligible for town or village green status the land must have been used for lawful sports and pastimes for a minimum of 20 years.

Evidence from more than 30 residents has been submitted, with some dating back to 1965 identifying that the land has been used for walking, children's play, dog walking, and informal recreation for many generations.

A public inquiry was set to be held earlier this month, however, the inspector was satisfied that the matter could be dealt with by written representations. This is the final stage before the application can be determined by Staffordshire County Council.

The application was lodged by Simon Tagg, the current leader of Newcastle Borough Council, who, as a child, played on the fields.

He said: "The County Council is now considering evidence from over 30 local people who have shared their personal experiences of using the land, with some accounts dating back to 1965. 

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"This evidence will help determine whether the green meets the criteria for full statutory protection. I, along with fellow Councillor David Hutchison, coordinated the distribution and collection of evidence questionnaires ahead of the deadline of 6 January 2026. 

"Each submission helps demonstrate how the land has been openly used by local people over many years—me included, as I played on the green space as a child. Sandy Lane green space has been part of the fabric of the area for hundreds of years.

"The community has fought hard over the years to keep it, and I'm proud to have led that fight on their behalf. 

"After ten years, we are finally nearing a conclusion and I hope this land will be protected for generations to come."

It is now understood that the inspector is satisfied with the evidence and will be recommending that the space be protected in perpetuity.

Staffordshire County Council's countryside and rights of way panel is set to meet later this month to ratify the recommendation.