to acquire the land next to Hob Hey Wood.

Cllr Graham Bondi, chair of the council’s Environment Committee, which manages Hob Hey Wood, said the three-acre plot overlooking Weaver Valley includes “the last two acres of mature semi-ancient woodland at the site.”

The rest is open meadow, and Cllr Bondi said: “If we are fortunate enough to buy this land, we will decide, with the help of the community, what’s the best thing to do with that.”

The town council bought the nine-acre Hob Hey Wood more than 20 years ago, safeguarding it for the community after the landowner revealed plans to turn it into a motorcycling venue.

How much the council is prepared to pay was discussed in private at the council’s monthly meeting.

The field, along with another 8.6 acres of adjoining land, is due to be auctioned today in Chester by agent Wright Manley, which has set a guide price of between £5,000 and £8,000 per acre.