City Councillors’ News

Winchester City Council have decided to delay any substantive consultation or decisions on the revised Local Plan. A highlevel consultation on ‘Strategic Issues and Priorities’ will be undertaken in Feb/Mar 2021, which will focus upon the local plan’s vision, objectives, key issues and priorities for action. The consultation will not contain any detail on options for accommodating housing targets once they become available. We are not clear on what value this consultation will give, as the uncertainty over the Council’s preferred approach to allocating sites remains.

Meanwhile, landowners and developers are actively promoting their sites, seeking support locally and nationally. The 5,000 home proposal at Royaldown – between Oliver’s Battery and Hursley – would affect our Ward, but not as much as any similar scheme around Micheldever Station. There is a more positive response to the emerging plans from the MOD for Flowerdown Barracks, where some 1,100 homes, employment sites and a park and ride car park are being discussed with residents.

Another planning proposal for a large array of solar panels has come forward – this time to the East of South Wonston, on the land around Waller’s Ash. The impact of this development locally should be limited, as footpaths and bridleways will be protected. It is unlikely that any planning gain will be realised by local residents. More details will be available once the full application is submitted, probably in January.

The Council budget for next year is taking shape. Following the impact of the pandemic lockdowns, the Government has continued to support the Council’s finances with more grants, having already given over £5.5m, but more will be needed. Savings will have to be found and Council Tax will probably rise by around 3%. Only a limited number of the major projects are likely to proceed, The new Sports and Leisure Park at Bar End should still open in Spring 2020.

Parish Councils are still all meeting online using video conferencing applications. Please look at their websites for details. All City Councillors are available for you to contact at any time.

Stephen

Cllr Stephen Godfrey 119 Downs Road South Wonston SO21 3EH Tel: 01962 884477 sgodfrey@winchester.gov.uk

Caroline

Cllr Caroline Horrill Wheatlands Woodman Lane Sparsholt SO21 3SH Tel: 01962 776844 chorrill@winchester.gov.uk

Patrick

Cllr Patrick Cunningham The Corner House North Drive Littleton SO22 6QA Tel: 07866 367897 pcunningham@winchester.gov.uk