WINCHESTER residents were invited to shape the future of Bushfield Camp at a community consultation.

The development of a former military base on the edge of Winchester, which has stood empty for 40 years, was discussed at a drop-in event at the Middle Brook Centre.

The site comprises around 43 hectares, of which approximately 20 hectares were previously occupied by the military camp.

The derelict ruins include the camp armoury, blast pens, a firing range and a number of other structures.

Deloitte spokesman Matthew Wright said there are plans for a landscaped ‘employment campus’ as well as nature conservation, although plans are still in the very early stages.

He said: “The Church Commissioners (the landowners) are pleased to continue their engagement with local groups and other stakeholders.

“Today’s consultation follows a series of workshops, meetings and briefings with a range of interested parties. Over 4,500 letters were sent out to local residents and businesses inviting them to today’s event and we are very pleased with the response.

“The Commissioners are still at a very early stage in this project, but wanted to hear the views of local people before any plans for the site’s future are developed.

“The objectives for Bushfield are set out in local planning policy; the site allocation is clear that the site should be brought forward for employment uses, with approximately 20ha of land also put to public benefit.

“We will listen to the feedback received and use this to shape future proposals for the site in the new year.”

He added that development was important especially after the collapsed developments at Silver Hill and Station Approach.

Badger Farm resident Ria Jackson-Backwell said: “I came because I didn’t really have enough information. My concerns are is it going to be an eyesore, will we still be able to use the site, and heavy traffic, as I have to drive to work.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, described the development as “gold rush”.

“I am sceptical. They have been hanging on to cash for a long time,” he said.

“Something has to go there. For them though, it’s about how they proceed, not whether to proceed.”

The Church Commissioners supports the work of the Church of England, paying the pensions of its clergy, contributing to the funding of dioceses and parishes, supporting the ministry of archbishops and bishops and contributing substantially to the work of cathedrals.

Now, the Church Commissioners for England want to involve local residents and businesses in shaping a future that provides the right mix of development for business need and community enjoyment.

The site is allocated for employment land in Winchester City Council’s Local Plan, with the intention of creating new, high value jobs for Winchester’s skilled workforce.

Following this period of consultation until early 2017, initial ideas for the site’s redevelopment will be shared by the Commissioners with a range of local agencies, amenity groups and the wider public.