by MATTHEW NIXSON

Campaigning residents have launched a last-ditch appeal to save Stanhope open space by having it designated a village green.

They say the site in Chesterfield Road, Barnet, has been a community asset for years and any development will spoil its surroundings.

Having it listed as a village green will stop building development, it is hoped. Residents were due to make their case at Hendon County Court this week.

'Our only hope is if we can get it registered as a village green,' said resident Nancy Scott.

Barnet Council has final say on whether the village green status is granted and is also pressing ahead with proposals to build a residential care home on the open space.

Members of Chipping Barnet area planning sub-committee on Tuesday last week approved a five-bedroom home for learning disabled residents in March to compensate for the planned closure of its Leys residential home in Elstree.

The scheme is due to come before the environment policy committee in August.

Chairman Councillor Anita Campbell supported the council scheme: 'People were worried it would set a precedent but we will do all we can to stop that happening,' she said.

'As councillors of that area we don't want any more properties built on that land.'

mnixson@london.newsquest.co.uk