Owner calls for Bushfield development (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Owner calls for Bushfield development

3:10pm Thursday 9th October 2008

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THE owner of countryside on the edge of Winchester has started to publicly press for its controversial development.

The Church Commissioners has long wanted to build on a chunk of Bushfield Camp, the former army base on the southern edge of the city.

Proposals for supermarkets and housing have been strongly resisted by conservationists, who say Bushfield is key to preserving the setting of the cathedral city.

Now the commissioners’ head of planning has entered the debate on the future of the land.

His unusually public intervention comes as the city council draws up its framework for development until 2020.

The council is considering which areas to set aside for housing, with Barton Farm looking the most likely to be targeted.

Many people, particularly residents on the other side of Winchester, believe Bushfield Camp would be a better location.

Steve Melligan, head of planning and development, said in a letter to the Hampshire Chronicle: “The commissioners have long thought that something could be achieved on the brownfield part of the site, whilst retaining and preserving the attractive downland setting to the east of the former barracks and field running down to St Cross.

“I suspect the majority of Winchester’s residents are unaware of this extensive former military camp.

“Not only is it something of an eyesore, it is a continuing problem for local residents and police due to the site’s history of unsocial and criminal activities.”

But opposition will not be slow in re-appearing too.

Alan Weeks, of the Winchester Residents’ Association, said: “This should be a non-starter. Bushfield is the last remaining countryside ridge with views of the cathedral.”

City councillor Brian Collin, who represents Oliver’s Battery and Badger Farm, said the commissioners’ intervention was the result of the city council announcing it preferred a ‘step change’ in development around Winchester, including the first major housing development since Badger Farm was built in the 1970s and 80s.

Cllr Collin said: “Traditionally the land has been set aside for recreation or countryside. The commissioners are flying a kite.

“I think they can see the door opening.”

Steve Opacic, head of strategic planning at the city council, said: “Mr Melligan has been plugging away at this site for years.

“They usually raise it during the planning process.”

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