WINCHESTER preservation watchdogs have joined a list of those concerned about the sale of a Winchester beauty spot.

As previously reported the water garden, which has views of Winchester Cathedral, has gone on the market for £100,000 prompting fears it could be redeveloped.

The site, in Colebrook Street, features a picturesque garden with a stream running through.

Now the City of Winchester Trust has expressed its concerns over the sale of the site.

A spokesman 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 The 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.”

The garden adjoins the home of Winchester city councillor Guy Ashton who told the Chronicle: “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.”

Cllr Ashton added that the land was owned by Lady Barbara Calcutt, the widow of Sir David Calcutt, before she died last year. Her executor is now selling the land.

Concerns were first raised by John Holder, of nearby Colebrook Place, who said: “The path past the pond is a critical part of the city’s tourist routes used by many tens of thousands of visitors and residents. Any development of the site would have to be incredibly sensitive, but probably foolish. It’s almost a tourist attraction itself.”

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