CAMPAIGNERS fighting proposals to build flats on Southampton’s medieval vaults have forced the city council to delay a land sale.

Civic chiefs have backtracked on a decision to sell after an outcry from local residents and civic protection groups There had been fears that the site between the Lower High Street and the Wool House would be sold to developer Linden Homes which wants to build 70 flats on top of the vaults.

Since its creation in 1000AD, the site had always been protected by the buildings above it until they were destroyed by bombing in the Second World War.

Residents and civic groups had feared a decision to sell to Linden Homes could have spelled the end to full public access to medieval wine vaults.

Arthur Jeffery, chairman of the Southampton Commons and Parks Protection Society (SCAPPS), described the decision as “democracy at work”.

He said: “We’re very pleased they’re responding to our reactions and we hope to see a promising way ahead.

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“We’ve already waited 70 years to see buildings on top of the vaults again, another five years won’t matter.

“It’s definitely a positive step forward, it’s brought the matter to a head. They have had the sense to step back and I think it will give us a chance to meet together with the council to see the way forward and in the right direction.”

Many of the campaigners want the vaults to be developed by a conservation body, which would understand the importance of preserving its heritage.

John Avery, of the City of Southampton Society, said: “We’re very pleased that the council have responded to public pressure because there was an immense response to the plans.

“We feel that if the vaults are going to be a heritage plot that they have to bring in a specialist body such as the Hampshire Preservation Buildings Trust to do so.

“It’s very helpful to us that the council are taking a step back because they themselves have been taken aback by the public response.

We think it’s quite constructive that they’re doing so.”

City council deputy leader Councillor Royston Smith said: “As part of looking at ways we can secure our vaults and to bring new life into Lower High Street, it is important that we listen to residents’ views before we make any decision; since their input is important in helping to shape any ideas for this proposed project.

“As a result we have received a number of concerns from residents.

“So we have decided to take more time to look at the plans and to see how we can resolve any concerns from members of the public.”

A public meeting is being held by the three groups opposed to the Linden Homes development – SCAPPS, the City of Southampton Society and the Old Town Residents Association – to discuss the latest developments.

The groups will meet at the Stella Maris Parish Church in St Michael’s Square, Southampton, on February 23.