ONE hundred houses could be built on a city greenfield site – leading to fears of flooding.

Two fields in Britford Lane, Harnham, not previously earmarked for housing, will now be considered by Wiltshire Council amid fears the authority would fail to meet government house-building targets.

The site could potentially be worth £25million.

Architects are busy drawing up plans for the nine-acre plot between New Bridge Road and the Bishop Wordsworth’s School playing fields.

The site was added to the council’s list of potential development areas a fortnight ago.

Ward councillor Ian Tomes said it would be a “crying shame” to build on such a beautiful site and any development in the conservation area would have to be “high quality” to get planning approval.

He said: “I think this is a radical change from what people in Salisbury have been used to there and if they want to make that radical change they have got to be radical about it and give us something that the community really wants in its place.”

It is believed the development would include around 40 affordable homes.

The land is owned by the Longford Estate and St Nicholas Hospital, who promise a “flagship residential development”.

A statement from the landowners said the “exciting scheme” would offer “the highest standard of residential property” and offered an assurance that cathedral views would be safeguarded.

Land agent Alasdair Jones-Perrott said: “Salisbury is a great city and we are delighted to be working with St Nicholas Hospital to deliver high quality housing on the doorstep of the city and the countryside.”

The scheme is at an early stage and consultations are expected to follow.

People living nearby have already raised concerns over the impact on flooding and traffic.

Christine Stock, of Britford Lane, said: “I have lived next to these beautiful fields for ten years and they are vital flood meadows.

“I do not think building on them is a good idea for anyone living in the surrounding area, including the Cathedral Close, unless of course they have webbed feet.”

Areas surrounding Salisbury District Hospital and on the Harnham Trading Estate are also being considered as extra housing sites