Residents are fighting plans to erect a two metre fence around land they claim is a 'village green'.

An application to register the land off Canberra Crescent in Meir Park as a village green is currently being considered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, with local families hoping it will save the site from development.

But landowner Nadeem Mohammed, who is opposing the application, is now seeking planning permission for a mesh fence around the parcel of land.

The city council is due to hold a public inquiry into the village green bid later this year.

Residents believe that no plans for the site should be approved while village green status is pending.

They also claim the metal fence would be out of keeping with the 'verdant and undeveloped' character of the green space.

The city council has received objections from 16 residents along with Meir Park Residents' Committee.

In its objection, the residents' committee states: "This is currently in village green application status and so we are understanding that nothing can be done or carried out on this land until a final decision is made.

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"The vista and verdue of the greenspace does not require the fencing and will take away the open space views of this within the community.

"At present and over the past 40 years dog walkers, the community and families have been utilising this open greenspace so this will only establish more issues and discomfort to those surrounding the greenspace."

Meir Park resident Zoe New says: "The proposed fencing is out of keeping with the open, verdant, and undeveloped character of the green space.

"By enclosing an area historically experienced as open common/green land, the structure will introduce a harsh visual barrier that harms the visual amenities of the local street scene and contradicts local landscape."

Andrew Hornsby says: "A two metre high fence is not appropriate for this piece of land, and is not in keeping with the open aspect of the area. Also, wouldn't it make sense to wait for the outcome of the village green application before allowing any changes to the land?"

The city council is due to make a decision on the fence application by the end of the year – it is not yet known when a final decision is due to be made on the village green bid.

In order for a site to qualify as a village green, it has to be demonstrated that people have been using its for lawful sports or pastimes, as of right, for the least 20 years.