PROGRESS is being made on the major Kings Barton development at Winchester.

Three hundred and eight-four homes out of the 2,000 homes have been completed, a council report said.

The Chronicle has reported how the 650th occupation, expected in mid-2025 will trigger the closure of Andover Road and the opening of the Winchester Avenue through the heart of the new estate, also known as Barton Farm.

But the county and city councils are considering allowing park and ride buses to carry on using Andover Road after it is closed to through traffic.

READ MORE HERE: Future of Andover Road closure in doubt as buses could use future road

Phase 1a of the scheme is nearing completion with all 200 homes sold.

Another phase 2a is seeing homes being bought off plan and developer Cala Homes expects all to be sold and occupied in 2023.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Winchester Avenue: The main road through Kings Barton

Viv Hill, Cala head of design, said the 'neighbourhood centre' will see shops, a pub, nursery and community facilities in the heart of the estate, served by the diverted Andover Road.

Mr Hill said Covid has made Cala re-look at the plans and it was important that the place-making is got right. The original planning permission was granted in 2019 and resubmitted plan with changes was due in late summer this year.

SEE ALSO: Changes to Andover Road closure plans at Kings Barton

Chris Hughes, the city council officer overseeing the development, said: "We acknowledge the importance of this centre for Kings Barton and the wider Winchester. We need to get it right."

The next meeting of the Kings Barton Forum will be in March.

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