Homes approved at Highcroft (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Homes approved at Highcroft

5:33pm Wednesday 7th May 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

THE Highcroft NHS site in Winchester can be replaced with 88 homes, planners ruled.

They approved it despite concerns that it could cause traffic problems in Romsey Road, one of the city's busiest routes.

The applicants - Barratt Southampton and Codex Land Ltd - want to create a new cul-de-sac with 24 houses and 64 flats.

They already own the site, which is occupied by NHS buildings including the county's ambulance HQ. The NHS is due to leave before the end of this year.

Around 60 residents wrote to Winchester City Council to object. The most controversial point was a proposed path through the site, linking Romsey Road to Sleepers Hill.

However, when councillors met last month (April), the path took a backseat to concerns about traffic.

Councillors agreed to defer the decision to visit Romsey Road to see if it could cope with the new development.

They viewed the site today (May 7), then convened at Winchester Guildhall.

Members heard that motorists currently left Highcroft via Romsey Road or Sleepers Hill, but the second exit would be removed for the housing scheme.

Peter Church, who lives opposite the site in Romsey Road, lobbied councillors to keep the Sleepers Hill access.

Cllr Ray Pearce, Liberal Democrat, one of the committee members, shared his views.

"I'm still disappointed that there's only one entrance and exit, and I think the one in Sleepers Hill could be used," he said.

Officers, who advised that the scheme should proceed, said fewer cars would use the site compared to its current NHS guise.

Cllr Ian Tait, Conservative, argued that a working party should have examined the project, given its size and importance. However, he was happy with the application.

"I've got concerns about the process, but I think this scheme is very, very good," he said.

Mark Luken, agent for the developers, added: "We've had a long series of meetings with council officers and we've done everything we can with this application either to meet or exceed your requirements."

Councillors decided by seven votes to two to approve the scheme.