SIR: Over the last few months, the Chronicle has run a number of articles about the Royaldown proposals for possibly up to 5,000 new homes. At the same time there have been items about the lack of affordable housing being provided with some open market schemes and letters pointing out the criticism of the city council’s plans for the Winnall flats.

I have also read with dismay, countless letters to the Chronicle stating that all these new homes will ruin Winchester but having lived through the building of Harestock, Abbotts Barton, Badger Farm and the complete transformation of Chilbolton Avenue, have these developments ruined Winchester or just changed it?

If my Grandmother was still alive no doubt she could argue that any homes built after 1894 (the year of her birth) were the ones that ruined the city. Grandma was born in Tower Street so within the ancient City walls.

Over my 19 years as a city councillor one of my greatest achievements was to champion and highlight the need for much more affordable and inclusive housing and I was so proud to hold the portfolio for New Homes Delivery for some years.

I was the only councillor to support the Barton Farm scheme and my reasons were because it would eventually provide 800 affordable homes. I argued for the Council’s Extra Care scheme Chesil Lodge and feel I was proved right as it offers some quite exceptional living conditions for its residents.

Winchester needs a sensible and informed debate about housing and how we can make this city a fairer and more inclusive place to live but I worry that the Local Plan will side step these very important issues.

Ian Tait,

Bereweeke Road,

Weeke,

Winchester