DEVELOPERS of a major scheme near Winchester have extended their consultation period.

The Church Commissioners is seeking to develop part of the Bushfield Camp near Badger Farm.

The site has been unused since the 1970s and the development currently envisages a business park.

There have been public consultations sessions which the developers would now like to extend.

READ MORE HERE: Campaign to save former barracks site from development

Ben Rogers, head of regeneration for Legal & General Investment Management, which is working with the Church Commissioners, said: “We have extended our consultation period on the plans for Bushfield Camp.

"When we launched our consultation last year, we committed to three rounds of engagement. Our events in November 2022 and January 2023 were very well attended and provided us with lots of valuable feedback.

"Some feedback has suggested a desire for more time to consider the proposals and so we have decided to extend our consultation period to allow us to further work with residents and key stakeholders, ensuring we achieve our aim to make the redevelopment of Bushfield Camp an outstanding addition to the city of Winchester."

The next consultation events will be on:

  • Friday May 19 from 3-7pm at the Cathedral Refectory, Great Minster Street, and
  • Saturday May 20 at Badger Farm Community Centre from 11am – 3pm.

A campaign has been started to prevent any development on the site off Badger Farm Road. Although technically in planning terms now classed as 'brownfield' land the opponents say the fact that it has been largely untouched for more than 50 years means it should now be considered as 'greenfield'.

Part of the site was earmarked several years ago in the city council local plan as for potential business development.