BOSSES at the South Downs National Park Authority are adamant they have not earmarked a playing field in Petersfield for housing.

But a bullish presentation by one of its officers on the future of Penns Place has given town councillors a very different view.

The park's deputy director of planning reiterated to councillors last week that the authority believes the open space is ideal for housing.

Keith Reed also revealed that preliminary talks had taken place with Petersfield Rugby Club about possible relocation.

The revelations came during an occasionally heated debate about the possibility of listing Penns Place as a prime house-building site.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.