Campaigners looking to save Ruperra Castle in Caerphilly, Wales, need to raise funds for legal representation, as the site becomes the subject of a public enquiry.

Developer Barakat Ruperra is trying to convert the castle – built in 1626 – into 11 flats, converting its surrounding stables into eight homes and building a further 18 houses.

Caerphilly County Council rejected the plans, but the developer appealed, leading to the public inquiry, which will begin on 21 April.

The Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust is holding a fundraiser this Saturday (28 February) at Cardiff University to try and make up its £2,000 deficit.

The South Wales Argus quoted Pat Moseley, director of the trust, as saying: “We have raised £5,000 through donations. Hopefully, the event will take us to the £7,000 that will pay for a barrister for the inquiry that is expected to last for four days.

“We don’t mind what the castle is used for, we just want it to be preserved and used for the public’s benefit rather than being turned into houses.”