RESIDENTS have shown their support as plans to regenerate part of Winchester progress – but still have concerns.

It comes as Winchester City Council published a report of feedback from consultations held over the Station Approach scheme.

Following a series of public drop-in events in March, the council has analysed hundreds of comments, which show support for the emerging designs.

However, concerns were expressed about building heights and the routing of pedestrian walkways into the city centre.

A range of potential issues relating to traffic was also raised, including the circulation of buses around Carfax site and concerns about impacts on air quality.

Comments concerning parking were almost equally split between those who believed that there was too much and those who felt there was too little.

The masterplan for Station Approach is now entering its next phase of design development, which will see the focus shifting on to more detailed plans for an extended public forecourt in front of the railway station and designs for high quality office buildings on the Carfax site.

The Cattlemarket development plans will then progress in a later phase of the project.

Councillor Steve Miller, portfolio holder for the Station Approach project, said: “This cabinet takes engagement and consultation on the proposed development of Station Approach very seriously and I am pleased that so many people took the time to give us their views.

“This will really help us to understand people’s thoughts and concerns about the project. Feedback is invaluable to us and we will continue to consult with local people and interest groups as we move into the next more detailed phase of design.”

The council is due to hold a second round of public drop-in events in October with dates and venues yet to be confirmed.