A bid to register the Trap Grounds in north Oxford as a Town Green is to be challenged in the High Court.
In February, city councillors were poised to approve plans by Oxford Citizens Housing Association for 45 affordable homes on part of the city council-owned site.
But they cannot be built yet, because an inspector ruled that the land near Port Meadow should be registered as a Town Green.
The city council has challenged the move. Catherine Robinson, secretary of the Friends of the Trap Grounds, which campaigned for the Town Green status, hoped the case would be heard in July or August.
She said: "More than £2,500 has been raised, but that might only pay for a barrister for one day."
A city council spokesman said: "About 80 per cent of the Trap Grounds can't be accessed by the average person, so Green status would be unusual."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article