CONCERNS are growing over plans to redevelop the ‘gateway to Winchester’.

A residents’ group has been formed in the Station Approach area to voice fears over loss of open space, overbearing buildings and traffic disruption on already congested roads.

Winchester City Council wants to build modern office space, including a six-storey block, on Cattle Market car park to attract business to the city.

Station Area Neighbourhood Group, comprising around 25 residents of Worthy Lane, Hyde Close and Gladstone Street, was formed last week in an attempt to give greater voice to local concern.

Steve Tilbury, the council’s corporate director, told the town forum last month that Winchester could “miss the tide” if plans are not drawn up soon – but officers have moved to involve residents early in the process after a storm of protest against their approach to consultation.

Steve Harbourne, who helped found the group, said: “Most of us are just getting the feeling that they already know what they want to do and this is just a bit of gloss.

“Time will tell whether it turns out to be true or not. Certainly, decisions seem to have been taken already.

“What I would like to see is a genuine approach at dialogue that takes on board many of the residents’ points of view.”

Officers will meet residents, landowners and local firms over the next few weeks to gather opinion on the plans, with their feedback steering community workshops and a design competition for architects.

Station Approach is also expected to be a key topic at the council’s new major projects committee, established in the aftermath of the Winchester March.

A city council spokesman said bosses have “always consulted thoroughly on major projects and made changes to plans as a result.

“But we always strive to do better,” he added.

“We have listened to calls for improvements and our consultation on Station Approach shows that we want to involve people early in the process.

“No decisions have been made about the future of the Station Approach area – the consultation will help to shape proposals.”

Mr Harbourne, who admitted that he doesn’t want to see any development outside his Worthy Lane home, said residents’ concerns should have been considered before early proposals were drawn.