A WINCHESTER beauty spot has now been sold for more than £100,000 amid fears that it may be redeveloped.

Concerns were first raised about the Water Garden when the Colebrook Street site was put up for sale in December.

The listing by estate agents Belgarum said “there may be future development potential”, sparking concern among some residents.

Now a bid has been launched to protect the garden following confirmation from a Belgarum spokesman that the site had sold “in excess of the guide price” of £100,000.

The Chronicle understands an application has been made to Historic England asking that it should be listed on the grounds of its important design and special importance to the city.

Previously a spokesman for the City of Winchester Trust had said: “Independent valuations have put the garden at approximately £10,000, and the City of Winchester Trust is extremely concerned that the asking price of £100,000 and an overage clause on ‘future residential development potential’, mean that the vendor is hoping to attract development.

“The trust is liaising with Hampshire Gardens Trust, which is taking the lead on the best action to take to safeguard the garden. They have been in touch with the owner of the adjoining property, who is interested in purchasing the garden.”

However, following the latest update, a spokesman for the trust said: “I understand the [buyer] intends to leave it as it is.”

The spokesman added that along with the Hampshire Garden Trust it would be seeking to put in place “as many belts and braces as possible” to protect it.

When asked who the buyer was, both Keith Leaman, chairman of the City of Winchester Trust and Belgarum declined to say.

Winchester City Council portfolio holder for finance Guy Ashton, who lives near the Water Garden, explained: “The land used to go with the house, but when we bought it in 2007, the owner wanted to keep the garden as a sort of momento.”

The land was owned by Lady Barbara Calcutt, widow of Sir David, before she died last year. It was then passed onto her executor who sold the land.