Bushfield Camp: public consultation held at Shawford Parish Hall

Shawford Parish Hall hosted members of the public who were keen to share their thoughts on the proposals.

The consultation saw representatives from planning, building and ecology explain the scheme. It also featured displays and maps.

Ed Street, 41, said: "I feel quietly confident. The proposal is quite well put together and professional." 

Alan Meikle, former member of Twyford Parish Council, said: "It's such a big plan. It seems to be a lot of emphasis on green space.

"It's wasted space. I've lived here for 50 years and nothing has been done with it, every time I go past there it's not being used."

Marion Crowley, from St Cross, said: "The big fear was it all being developed on. I think I'd like for it to be developed and I'd like it to be developed modernly for research, development, and education.

"I think it will be good if it will be developed as long as it isn't completely taken over by the development and I can still go dog walking." 

READ MORE: Bushfield Camp: campaigners call for housing as well as business use

Should planning permission be granted in 2023 building work is due to start in 2025.
Developers say the scheme has the "potential to attract major brands looking for new headquarters to the county from sectors including life science, academia, media and the health sector". Half the site will be retained as green space and managed to increase its biodiversity.

Cara Bamford, from Make Architects, said: “It's a work in progress. We want to create a new area that fits within Winchester and for the future of the city. 

“The design isn't finished, but this gives people the chance to re-engage.”

Laura Ashford, senior ecologist at Thomson Environmental Consultants, said: “A lot of thought has been put into this in order to be sensitive to the surrounding areas. So many different things need to be taken into account.

"Approximately half of the site will be retained, protected and restored.”

A second consultation event will be held tomorrow (January 14) at Badger Farm Community Centre, from 10am-2pm.

Meanwhile, Winchester Action on Climate Crisis has organised a public meeting on Saturday January 28 to discuss the development. It will be at 10.30am at the St Lawrence's Parish Room in Colebrook Street.

For more details about the plans, visit: bushfieldcampregeneration.co.uk.

Additional reporting by Isabella Jagger