The first phase of West of Waterlooville gets the go-ahead
After a full day of deliberations Winchester City Council and Havant Borough Council have each given the go ahead for 450 new homes to be built at Old Park Farm near Waterlooville. The development will also include new employment opportunities and a replacement household waste recycling centre.
The development is part of the West of Waterlooville major development area which will eventually comprise 2000 homes. Members of the two councils discussed the transport implications of the development and were reassured that Wimpey Homes who are developing the site will be required to make substantial contributions to highway improvements. They will also part fund other community facilities such as a primary school and community centre which will be built as part of the larger MDA. Members also tested the commitment to sustainable development and were satisfied with proposals for energy efficiency, renewable energy and measures to reduce car journeys.
Winchester's planning and transport portfolio holder Cllr Keith Wood said "Whilst providing new homes is essential to the development of the area, we should only allow growth where it is properly supported with the facilities and services people need. This development shows that these will be achievable when we work with developers to ensure that they make a fair contribution to meeting infra-structure costs and high specifications."
Cllr Wood continued, "Havant and Winchester councillors and officers have worked together on this project and have saved time and money through these joint negotiations. It is important that this excellent relationship continues as we move onto the next phase of the MDA."