Silver Hill project reaches important milestone
Progress on the redevelopment of the Silver Hill area of Winchester has reached another important milestone. The Planning Inspectorate has agreed that the inquiry into the proposed compulsory purchase order will begin on 26 June 2012. The inquiry will be held in the Guildhall and should last between 8 and 12 days, depending upon the amount of evidence required to be considered. The inquiry will be held in public but only those who have made an objection to the order will be able to participate.
If the order is confirmed by the Secretary of State following the inquiry it will enable the Council to purchase the land and property necessary to ensure comprehensive redevelopment of the area.
The compulsory purchase order is being made by the Council to enable the delivery of the scheme funded by Henderson Global Investors’ UK Property Fund. The scheme was granted planning consent in 2008.
Cllr George Beckett, Leader of Winchester City Council said:
I am delighted that an early date has been set for the inquiry. The Silver Hill project has been many years in the making and the city needs this area regenerated on a comprehensive basis to ensure that all the benefits, economic and environmental, are delivered as soon as possible.”
Martin Perry, director of development for Henderson said:
We are pleased to have a date for the inquiry and are working hard to negotiate with all owners and tenants of the property interests to resolve their issues. Wherever possible we will reach satisfactory commercial arrangements before the inquiry begins. As a result, as few interests as possible would be subject to compulsory acquisition if the order is confirmed. We believe the Silver Hill scheme will be of significant benefit to Winchester and we know it represents a sound commercial proposition for all involved.”
The planning application for the new St Clements Surgery has now been submitted to the City Council and should be considered by the Planning Development Control Committee at the end of May. The design is by local architects Architecture PLB.