Major Issues

The current major issues for the City of Winchester Trust, include:

Planning Policies

The Trust views with great concern the planning policies, particularly relating to housing numbers, which appear to be imposed on local authorities by central government. The Trust monitors the City and County Councils’ policy reviews and is responding robustly to consultations on the Local Development Framework. The Trust is particularly concerned to preserve the character of Winchester and to prevent development which will harm the city’s unique setting. Currently the Trust is very concerned about the proposals for housing at Barton Farm and a knowledge park at Bushfield.

Transport

Urban roads, parking and public transport remain of constant concern to the Trust. Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council are currently preparing a new Winchester Town Access Plan. The Trust is monitoring progress of the review, meeting with key council officers and members and responding to consultations. The Access plan is due to be published later in 2009.

Silver Hill

In February 2009 Winchester City Council finally granted planning permission for a major mixed use development at Silver Hill. This followed wide consultation and substantial objectors, including from the Trust. The Trust also objected to some amendments to the permission which were submitted after the original application. Nevertheless the Trust has maintained a working relationship with the developer, Thornfields, and the City Council, and has strived to achieve compromises which mitigate many of the objections. The proposal is currently the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order which will not be resolved until 2010. Details of the scheme can be found on the Silver Hill website. (The Trust produced a response to the original Silver Hill planning Application and then a further response to the Amended Application).

Climate Change and Sustainable Development

The Trust recognises the implications of climate change and supports sustainable development to the highest standards notwithstanding the need to maintain a sensitive approach, particularly with regard to the Conservation Area. The Trust is a steering group member of the Winchester Action on Climate Change (WINACC).