Barton Farm Forum launched
The first meeting of the new Barton Farm Forum has been held at the Guildhall in Winchester.
The forum has been set up by Winchester City Council following the Secretary of State’s decision in October 2012 to grant outline planning permission for 2,000 houses at the location.
The aim of the forum is to bring together everyone with an interest in ensuring that the Barton Farm development is the best it can possibly be for the Winchester district – including the developers Cala Homes, local authorities, local organisations, residents and the general public.
The forum is not a decision-making body but it will give people the chance to raise issues, express views and follow development of the project, which will last 10 to 12 years.
Cllr Keith Wood, the Leader of Winchester City Council and Chair of the Forum, said
Around 50 or 60 people attended the first meeting and I was greatly encouraged that the tone of the discussion revolved around ensuring that Winchester gets the best development possible at Barton Farm.
It was good that Cala Homes attended and expressed a positive desire to work with local people, to listen to their concerns and to see if they can be met.
The first forum meeting was held on Wednesday 16 January and meetings will be held around every six weeks. The next meeting will focus on the transport implications of the development and will include a presentation from the Hampshire County Council highways team.