A PUBLIC inquiry into the development of what is arguably a village green begins next Tuesday (November 16)

The long-running battle over 10 acres of land in Caerwent is between the Merton Green Action Group who have, over two years, raised funds to pay for a barrister, and Monmouthshire County Council which sold the land to a housebuilder.

Building of what is due to be more than 100 homes has already been started on the site.

According to Mr Adrian Spooner of the Merton Green Action Group, what is at stake is a ruling as to whether the 'appropriation' rights – or buying rights – of the housebuilder – outweigh the rights of villagers who have used the fields for recreation, jubilees and cricket for well over 20 years.

If it is ruled in favour of the 'village green' the part-constructed houses may well have to be bulldozed.

"This is a landmark test case," says Mr Spooner. "Not just for Caerwent, but nationally."

•The inquiry starts at 10am at Caerwent Village Hall on November 16. There will be a late sitting next Wednesday (November 17) for witnesses at work during the day. It will last for four days.