Ownership of a treasured village green near Watton could finally be transferred to residents, ending the threat of development.

Breckland Council met stiff opposition when it submitted plans to squeeze two semi-detached homes on the grassland at Coronation Terrace in Caston.

The 625 metres squared plot, off Attleborough Road, was created when the houses were built in 1953 and has been used as an informal village green for generations since then.

Councillors and residents launched a campaign to save the green and Breckland withdrew its planning application ahead of a meeting in October after its officers recommended the scheme be refused.

Now cabinet members are being advised to transfer the site, along with a neighbouring strip of grassland, to Caston Parish Council on the condition that it is used for 'amenity purposes only'

'As it is considered that the western parcel of land does not have development potential, it would now seem in the best interests of Breckland Council to transfer these areas to the parish subject to restrictions to relieve Breckland Council of future liabilities,' a report to the committee states.

The district council had been in the process of giving both plots of land to Caston last year and the village secured grant funding to cover the legal costs involved.

Negotiations broke down when the sites were included in the first tranche of Breckland's Active Land Management Scheme, which aims to find the best use for un-used sites across the district.

Under the watchful eye of neighbours, more than 20 children and teenagers regularly play on the green and community barbecues are also held there during the summer.

The value of the land was estimated at �1,950 in 2008.

Cabinet members are due to discuss the issue at a meeting on Tuesday.