THE charity that owns greenfield land at Britford Lane still wants to sell to builders, despite fierce opposition from residents and groups across the city.

One of the two East Harnham fields earmarked for 100 new homes belongs to St Nicholas Hospital, a Christian alms house and registered charity.

Chairman of the board of trustees Chris Dragonetti says he is not surprised by the outpouring of public feeling against the plans, but insists he and his colleagues are duty-bound to support the scheme.

Mr Dragonetti said: “I completely understand their position and if I wasn’t in the position I’m in as chair of trustees, I might hold a similar view.

“But the fact is I have to represent St Nicholas Hospital’s interests and do the best I can for the charity.”

St Nicholas Hospital has almost £4million in reserves and made more than £150,000 last year.

Mr Dragonetti confirmed these “healthy” figures but said the charity owned the land as an investment asset.

“If you have an investment and you can improve the income from it, that’s normally something one ought to be pleased about,” he said.

“We are not the National Trust. We don’t own this land for the benefit of society.

“We are duty-bound to make the most of our investment.”

When asked if he was concerned the charity’s reputation would be damaged by the sale of the land to developers, he said: “I have to accept that it is damaging. I can’t argue against that because there’s so much opposition to it.

“We knew it would be controversial and people would be opposed to it.”

He also said trustees understood the risk that once the site was sold, any future developer may not stick to the proposals for 40 per cent affordable housing and a high-quality development.

He said trustees were not looking at any of the major housebuilders and preferred “small-scale, quality developers”.

“We will do all we possibly can to ensure what we are envisaging is what happens.”

Harnham Neighbourhood Association (HNA) has added its voice to a growing number of objections, on grounds of traffic, flooding and environmental impact.

Writing to the council, HNA chairman Cheryl Sibson said: “The aesthetic value of the site and surrounding area is important to both residents and visitors alike.

“It provides a stunning setting to the city and its cathedral approached from the south, making it part of the city’s attraction for the thousands of visitors who make a vital contribution to the local economy.

“It would be regrettable if we were to lose this for ourselves and future generations.”

The rest of the land being considered in the scheme belongs to the Longford Estate.