A popular open space in Faringdon has been designated a town green, protecting it from future developers.

Yesterday county councillors at a planning committee agreed that Humpty Hill should be registered as a town green.

The application was made by Robert Stewart to register the land off Highworth Road as a new town or village green under the Commons Act 2006.

Mr Stewart, 35, from Faringdon, said: "I grew up in Faringdon.

"Humpty Hill has been used as a popular open space for as long as anyone can remember.

"Every day people walk their dogs there and it's very popular with children.

"You can go for a picnic in the summer or sledging in the winter.

"This designation should protect Humpty Hill for the people of Faringdon forever.

"The campaign was very well supported and this shows what can be achieved by residents."

A public inquiry was held in March after the landowner objected to the town green application.

The inquiry followed a planning application by developers Gladman to build homes on the site.

The county council is the Commons Registration Authority responsible for registering land as town greens.