A long-running battle to create new school sports pitches on a meadow in Bristol is set to go to a public inquiry in December.

Fairfield School has already won planning permission for its £2-million project to build three fenced-off pitches on the South Purdown open space in nearby Muller Road.

But several residents and organisations have opposed Bristol City Council's proposal to divert a public right of way crossing the meadow as part of the plan.

The Open Spaces Society (OSS) and the Ramblers' Association will be among the groups airing their opposition to the new pitches at a public inquiry on December 9 and 10.

The inquiry is the latest hold-up for a project first put forward in 2003. Last year, a bid by residents to win town green status for the meadow to stave off any development ended in failure.

Sue Flint, 76, chairwoman of the Friends of South Purdown, likened the battle to protect the meadow to a game of chess.

She says that as well as the existing right of way on the meadow, two more should be established because there is evidence routes have been used for at least 20 years.

Ms Flint, who lives in Heyford Avenue close to the meadow, said: "The whole thing has been like a game of chess and it's over to the council to decide on these two other routes we think should be public rights of way.

"We need open spaces because they are the lungs of the city. We need to keep this wildlife corridor because it gives you a feeling of getting out of the hectic city.

"It's a lovely landscape, which has historic and scenic value."

Ms Flint believes the school should use the Muller Road recreation ground bordering Filton Avenue instead of the South Purdown meadow.

The OSS objection is one of 11 which will be presented at the public inquiry. Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the OSS, said: "The proposed sports pitches will desecrate this rare and much-loved open space, a splendid gateway to Bristol."

The campaign to preserve the large open area on the northern side of Muller Road was backed by 2,000 petitioners in 2005.

They said they valued being able to take a stroll in open country close to their homes in Lockleaze and Horfield.

The plans involve creating three pitches on a corner of South Purdown and building a bridge to them across Muller Road to link with the school.

Fairfield already has artificial sports pitches near the school, but not all sports can be played on them, including rugby and competition football.

Parents and teachers say the three new pitches are needed to avoid having to bus children to alternative playing fields for PE lessons.

Helen Hewitt, spokeswoman for Bristol City Council, said: "The inquiry will go ahead at the school on December 9 and 10. We are currently preparing public notices which will be placed at the site, in libraries and on our website.

"The council plans to run the footpath around the edge of the sports pitches."