OPPOSITION councillors have raised concerns about the way the Station Approach redevelopment in Winchester is being handled.

Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors are worried that there will be no proper public engagement once a design competition starts.

The city council Cabinet has approved a design brief that will guide architects vying to come up with the best scheme.

The council proposes to develop the huge area between Gladstone Street and the former cattle market on Andover Road.

Suggested ideas include offices, homes, shops and cultural facilities.

At the town forum, opposition councillors agreed to minute their concerns about whether "this process is appropriate for such an important area, and are concerned that the timescale is extremely tight."

They have urged the Conservative-controlled Cabinet to look again at the issue.

Cllr Martin Tod, Liberal Democrat, asked about the commitment to a 360-place multi-storey on Carfax.

There are worries about increased traffic congestion through the five-road interchange.

Council leader Stephen Godfrey said the location of the parking would be up to the designers to justify.

Cllr Dominic Hiscock, Lib Dem, said public comments were not being taken up: "A lot of people have taken the trouble to make points and they are not being answered."

A panel will judge the various designs. It will be made up of a local councillor, an architect based outside of Winchester, a county council architect, a local design expert, a representative from the City of Winchester Trust and other professionals.

Firms will be invited to submit plans for the whole area, plus detailed designs for the Carfax area.

The winner will put together a planning application for Carfax and may be invited to develop the cattle market area too.