People opposed to the construction of a road through Crown land in an ecologically sensitive area just outside St. John’s are claiming victory, at least for now.

The issue has been a back and forth for about 11 years when the Town of Witless Bay received a proposal to develop a five-lot subdivision at Ragged Beach. Access to the land is the issue and without it, there can be no development.

The town recently approved construction of a road through Crown land but a group opposed to it asked the courts for a “stop work” order. Spokesperson Lorna Yard says a judge granted their request yesterday.

They want the provincial government to declare the area at Ragged Beach a conservation zone.

The coastline there is directly across from the seabird reserve. They want the land protected for future generations.