A BOROUGH councillor is calling on the council to protect "a jewel" of land in Basingstoke that is at risk of development.

During a Basingstoke and Deane Brough Council meeting (BDBC) held on Thursday, July 20, Conservative councillor Sean Dillow asked the council to protect Old Down Woodland Park by giving it local nature reserve status.

Cllr Dillow said: “We are very lucky to live in Basingstoke and in my ward Kempshott and Buckskin there is a jewel that needs saving from the threat of development, and it is called Old Down Woodland Park.

“It is about 12 hectares of exquisite grassland and mature woodland which is classed as a site of importance for nature conservation. There are over 150 species of different trees, shrubs, plants, grasses and wild birds and butterflies.

READ MORE: BDBC: Call for more to be done to help Crown Heights residents

“It is a place of tranquillity where families can take an evening stroll or an afternoon dog walk.”

He went on to say that Basingstoke’s MP Maria Miller has been campaigning to save the area “for years”. He said he now wants to ensure that the area is protected for “future generations to enjoy”.

He continued: “Would the cabinet member please give me a precise update on the progress that has been made in giving Old Down Woodland Park the benefit of the protection it deserves with local nature reserve status and specifically when this will be given?”

In response, Cllr Chris Tomblin, cabinet member for climate and ecological emergency, said there are “complex land issues” at stake but the council are working hard to “overcome the inherited issues as part of the local plan update”.

He continued: “Old Down is an important area of open space and it delivered both recreational and wildlife habitat. The land is protected by SINC status (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation) whilst being managed proactively by the council and local volunteers in line with a management plan that was put in place in 2010.

SEE ALSO: 24 Swan Street: £525k must be raised to save popular dance school

“The protection provided by the SINC designation along with our local plan policy insures the site won’t be adversely impacted by development. I hugely appreciate and recognise the tremendous effort of local conservation volunteers and their achievements in delivering the biodiversity enhancement on Old Down.”