City Council moves forward with proposals for new parish councils
Winchester City Council’s Licensing and Regulation Committee has agreed proposals, which could see the creation of new parish councils for Kings Barton and the Winchester town area from April 2027.
The public meeting considered the feedback presented in the Stage One Consultation Report, prior to agreeing the recommendations and approving the move to the next stage of the council’s Community Governance Review, which requires further public consultation.
Last year, over 1400 residents, organisations and businesses responded to the city council’s Stage One Community Governance Review consultation, and residents in the Winchester town area and Kings Barton confirmed their support for creating new parish councils where they live.
86% of respondents living in the town area agree with the creation of a new parish council for the Winchester town area, which unlike the rest of the district is currently unparished. Whilst, 57% of respondents living in Kings Barton told us that they’d support the creation of a parish council for Kings Barton, which is currently within the Headbourne Worthy Parish Council area.
Councillor Kathleen Becker, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, said: “I’d like to thank residents, parish councils and residents’ associations who submitted a response to our first consultation in this process. It’s never been more important to hear the views of our residents, particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation across the whole of Hampshire.
“This council is one which actively listens, and this has been demonstrated in these proposals which were agreed today. Parish councils play an important role in supporting our communities, and we have a duty to ensure that governance arrangements for all of our residents is effective, convenient and reflects the identities and interests of its communities.
“Importantly, everyone will have the opportunity to once again take part in a further round of consultation, but we’ll be particularly keen to hear from residents in Kings Barton and the unparished area of Winchester town, so they can help shape the future of where they live.”
The city council will begin a six-week consultation in mid-May 2026, where residents will be able to have their say on how any new council will be shaped. Subject to approvals, it is expected that Full Council will make a decision later this year which would allow the creation of new parish councils from 1 April 2027, with parish elections planned for May 2027.
You can view the latest updates, including the stage one consultation report at www.winchester.gov.uk/cgr