AN application to build a ‘knowledge park’ at Bushfield Camp could be made later this year, its owners have said.

The Church Commissioners are seeking architects to produce plans to redevelop part of the downland on Winchester’s southern outskirts.

It has triggered opposition from campaigners who are trying to protect the land by registering it as a town and village green.

It contains a former army camp and the commissioners have made no secret of their wish to build there.

It has previously been touted as a possible supermarket, park and ride scheme and housing estate.

The latest idea to build a ‘knowledge park’ to provide space for research and hi-tech firms surfaced around 18 months ago.

This week the commissioners gave their first indication that the scheme was more than just on a wish list.

In a statement, they said: “A planning application for the Winchester Knowledge Park is expected to be submitted later this year.

“Three high profile architects have been invited to submit innovative concepts for the development, which will be a major boost for the city’s long-term economic prosperity.”

Winchester City Council has already voted to include the knowledge park in its current 20-year strategy for the district.

The authority’s leader, Cllr George Beckett, said this week: “The concept of development on part of Bushfield Camp as a knowledge park is one that the administration has found very interesting.

“It must be viewed, of course, along with the proposals for the remainder of the Bushfield Camp site, which I think is envisaged to remain undeveloped.

“I look forward with interest to reviewing the detailed proposals that are provided by the Church Commissioners.”

The Bushfield Down Supporters Group is worried that the scheme is premature, as their application to protect the site is still active.

Its spokesman Charles Jennings said: “I am surprised that the Church Commissioners have announced this development as they are clearly aware that there is a town and village green application pending, which includes both Bushfield Down and the Camp and which, if granted, will potentially impact development of the site.

“I would hope that this announcement by the Church Commissioners does not have any influence on the town and village green application process or the final decision.”

Farmer, Keith Mannerings, is current leasing the old army camp to grow forage maize for animal feed.

He said: “The knowledge park’s been coming for a very long time and I’d heard rumours that they might put something in this summer.

“My tenancy is on a quarterly basis, so it’s pretty short term.”

Mr Mannerings also leases dairy farming land nearby at Compton from Hampshire County Council.

The county council is still weighing up whether to grant town and village green status at Bushfield Camp.

The decision on whether to allow the knowledge park if a scheme comes forward rests with the city council.

The Church Commissioners handle the Church of England’s landholdings and raise funds to cover the pensions of retired clerics.