A KINGS Worthy villager has said a piece of public open space should be declared a village green because it is a “haven” for those who use it.

On the first day of a five-day public inquiry at Sparsholt College, Nicholas Bell, of Springvale Road said Top Field, situated behind his house, had been very popular with people of all ages since the turn of the century.

He is one of many villagers supporting the Top Field Action Group who are resisting housing developers Drew Smith by trying to have the land declared a ‘village green’.

This comes more than a year after plans from Drew Smith for 57 houses were refused by Winchester City Council for the site off Hookpit Farm Lane.

They subsequently resubmitted proposals for a lesser amount of 32 homes.

The developer has already built 25 affordable homes on the site after approval of a separate application.

Mr Bell, a well-known local solicitor, said that during the summer months many people have used the land to fly kites, walk their dogs, pick berries and ride bikes.

Recalling the early 2000s, Mr Bell added: “A lot of people used it. Certainly a number of children were using it as an open space. It was a haven for them.”

Mr Bell told the inquiry, chaired by Morag Ellis QC, the field would be cut once a year by the landowner. Photographs were displayed during the hearing that showed the land a few weeks before it was cut, with grass growing to more than five feet in height.

“I can recall comment being passed by myself and others that when the land was tended it did make it a much more enjoyable space,” he added.

“Nevertheless, when the grass was longer the children would play hide and seek in it and just, generally, be children.”

However during cross-examination, lawyer William Webster, on behalf of the objector Drew Smith, grilled Mr Bell on his recollection of the application site.

Showing him a number of pictures of Top Field from 1993-1999, Mr Bell who has lived at his current address since 1988, was asked if he remembered when the land was used for growing crops; to which he replied no.

Mr Webster said: “I am amazed that all of that is entirely new to you as you were living next door. There would have bails of straw in the field as well as combine harvesters in use.”

Mr Bell replied: “I never heard any combine harvester or anything.”

Nevertheless, Mr Webster said he found it hard to believe the land was use as much as was stated: “It is not a very attractive piece of land.”

Residents in other areas have also tried to protect land from development by having it declared a ‘village green.’ residents tried but failed to do protect land near Bushfield Camp.

The inquiry has finished and the result is expected in the next few months.