CONTROVERSIAL plans to build extra housing for the elderly on a Winchester city centre car park have been revealed.

Civic chiefs held an exhibition on Monday (Sep 15) of plans to create an extra care facility on the Chesil Street open air car park.

The scheme has angered local people, who say it will only add to the parking problems in the area.

The exhibition said ‘no other sites are available’ and detailed discounted sites, including Avalon House, the Cattle Market car park, Middle Brook Street car park and St Peter’s car park.

It also said: “To mitigate the loss of existing parking there will be new parking provided for residents.

“There is alternative parking in the under-used Chesil Street multi storey which is being improved.

“By 2030 the number of people aged 75 and over in Hampshire is set to increase by 85 per cent. There are 138 people registered on the Hampshire Home Choice housing register for Winchester District who need sheltered or extra care housing.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

An artist's impression of what the development may look like

Cllr Ian Tait, of Winchester City Council, said he supports the scheme.

“It’s just getting the balance right between meeting some of the needs of residents and local businesses’ parking requirements, and providing the extra care housing which is something that the city needs,” he said.

However, Liz Cooper, chair of the St Giles Hill Residents Association, said she thinks the plans aren’t in keeping with the surrounding area.

She said: “I’m very supportive of building a special care unit for the elderly but I think that I question whether this is the right location for such a building.

“The pavement is very narrow and it is a busy road. I think it is over development of a relatively small site with bulky buildings.”

Mike Saunders, of PDP Architects, said: “You have to look at the positives of the scheme. It’s going to provide over 50 units for elderly people, which is needed.”

The exhibition at the Guildhall included video footage of what the facility would look like, as well as detailed architects plans.