A FORMER Mayor of Worcester wants assurances that one of the city’s treasured green spaces will be protected from development – amid fears they are more vulnerable than ever.

Councillor David Tibbutt says residents living in south Worcester have been contacting him over the future of Middle Battenhall Farm.

The site, between Whittington Road and Battenhall, has a mediaeval fishpond and is popular with dog walkers.

In December last year Miller Homes revealed it wanted to build 200 properties on the land, but no planning application has been sent to the city council.

However, fresh fears have arisen as Worcester, Malvern and Wychavon are under new pressure to provide more sites for homes.

The South Worcestershire Development Plan, which earmarks land for development, currently has provision for 23,200 properties, but an independent inspector wants the number increased.

Middle Battenhall Farm is not earmarked for any use, and Coun Tibbutt wants that situation to remain.

He said: “This site is of historic importance. It’s a fantastic landscape. It is not only used by people who live nearby but dog walkers come from far and wide.”

He told a council meeting people in Battenhall and St Peter’s are “increasingly worried” about the site.

The city council should seek to “vigorously protect” Worcester’s green network despite the pressure to make more room for houses.

Miller Homes has refused to reveal if it still intends to hand in a formal planning application for the land. But it has already staged its own consultations with residents, and is inviting people to give feedback on a website until Tuesday, January 7.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, city council leader, says he hopes changes to the SWDP will be backed by politicians even if they affect the areas they represent.

He said: “I hope all councillors take part in these discussions. We must make decisions for the whole city, not just our own back yards.”

Visit middlebattenhallfarm.co. uk for more details on Miller Homes’ proposal.