Plans for Places… after Blueprint – Consultation launched
Winchester City Council is launching the next stage of consultation about what development we should plan for over the next 20 years. Following the Blueprint exercise, where communities from across the District told us how they wanted housing, employment and community facilities to be provided in their areas, Plans for Places is our response.
Plans for Places uses both community feedback and expert evidence (including new population and housing projections) to set out the best options for development to be set out in the Local Development Framework. The Council invites residents, businesses and any other interested parties to comment on the proposals in the document over a six week period from 27 June until 8 August.
The plan is split into three sections which reflect the characteristics of the District: the rural area including the market towns; the urban areas to the south; and Winchester town. There was much consensus in the rural areas and in the market towns about what these areas need and want for the future. In Winchester however, there was less agreement. There are two scenarios presented for Winchester Town, one if the Barton Farm planning appeal is allowed by the Secretary of State, and one if the appeal is dismissed. The plan has to address both scenarios, but recognises that even if this current application is refused Barton Farm might still need to be considered as a possible area for development, depending on the Secretary of State’s conclusions.
Cllr George Beckett, Leader of Winchester City Council said, “We were really pleased with the reception there was for the Blueprint consultation and the enthusiasm of residents, businesses and community organisations in planning the future of their areas. It demonstrates our commitment to localism but doesn’t ignore the fact that we can’t simply say no to development if we want the jobs, infrastructure and housing that successful communities will need in future years. We hope that people will take the time to comment on this document and help us ensure a positive future for Winchester District.”
The document can be viewed on our website www.winchester.gov.uk/plans4places and we have created a series of consultation questions for completion. Alternatively a copy can be requested from the Strategic Planning team on 01962 848 101 or 01962 848 278 or email ldf@winchester.gov.uk