Silver Hill clears inquiry hurdle (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Silver Hill clears inquiry hurdle

2:52pm Wednesday 23rd May 2007 in Silver Hill By Warwick Payne

Silver Hill clears inquiry hurdle

A CONTROVERSIAL and massive scheme to revamp the centre of Winchester has avoided a major hurdle.

The Government has decided against forcing a public inquiry to consider the £100 million Silver Hill Renaissance'.

Opponents of the redevelopment of 35 shops, offices, 264 homes, bus station and GP surgery, had hoped the Government would call in' the proposal because of its major impact.

But Mike Capocci, managing director of Thornfield, said: "We have consulted widely on the proposals for four years now, and so it has to be right to let the city move on with renewing the area."

Council leader George Beckett said: "We are pleased that the decision on this important local issue has remained with the city council.

"Winchester needs the new facilities that Silver Hill brings, and we believe the scheme will stand the test of time."

Thornfield now must acquire several chunks of land. One landowner, London and Henley, is adamant it will not sell to Thornfield, as it wants to develop its holding, off Middle Brook Street. It says it will resists attempts at compulsory purchase.

In a separate development, city council planners slated L&H's alternative scheme for 13 shops and 133 homes.

The L&H scheme, known as Middle Brook, would replace the Friarsgate multi-storey car park, Kings Walk shopping arcade and antiques market.

Its plan was submitted last summer, but did not come before councillors until last Friday.

Given the delay, the matter will now be resolved by a government inspector at a public inquiry at a date to be fixed.

Last week's meeting was held to decide if the council would oppose the scheme at the hearing.

Planning officers recommended that Middle Brook should be rejected.

They criticised the modern design of the five-storey block, saying it would look "alien" in Winchester.

London and Henley's team accused the officers of dragging their feet.

Its planning consultant, Bruce Hartley-Raven, alleged: "Officers have been extremely slow in dealing with my client's application.

"One could be forgiven for thinking that officers have frustrated my client's proposals with the aim of furthering Thornfield's."

Cllr Ernie Jeffs, who chairs the planning committee, challenged the firm: "The applicant should put in a complaint to the chief executive if they think it's justified."

Karen Hawes, development consultant for the company, argued that it could revamp the area at a lower cost because they already owned the land.

She added that the firm was prepared to transform the entire Silver Hill area if necessary.

"We will do all we can to resist compulsory purchase," she said.