A LIST of valued parks and green spaces to be protected from housing developments will be drawn up – despite fears it could hinder future economic growth.

A proposal from Labour South Ham councillor Sean Keating to protect the “lungs of Basingstoke” was backed by a majority of the full council.

But some Conservative councillors warned that writing off places like War Memorial Park, or Stratton Park, from potential developments could damage the town.

Speaking against the motion, Cllr John Izett, Conservative Cabinet member for property and finance, said: “It would tie our hands and obstruct future regeneration of the town which this administration is committed to.

“Basingstoke can’t be, and shouldn’t be, mummified and we should continue to put our trust and faith in the good sense of our residents and their elected representatives.”

Despite criticism from the Tory administration, Cllr Keating said the list of places to protect would be put forward by councillors and approved by the council’s decision-making Cabinet.

He said: “We are the temporary custodians of these open spaces – we don’t own them. They are the property of this generations and future generations. We have a duty to protect them, and a duty to preserve them.

“The parks and open spaces in Basingstoke and Deane are the lungs of Basingstoke. If you fill some of them with housing, they are gone forever and can’t be replaced.”

When put to the vote, 37 councillors supported Cllr Keating’s proposal, 15 abstained, and four voted against it.