Development Control - Trust Annual Report 1990
Planning matters are now regular features of the Trust's Newsletter, so that members are kept informed of developments within the boundaries of the City. The pressure on the Trust for keeping abreast of planning applications is considerable, and in addition the two Panels now have a reserve of members willing to attend Panels at short notice. By monitoring planning applications the Trust is able not only to submit constructive comments to the City's Planning Committee, but is also made aware of what is happening in Winchester from week to week. Much time during the current year has been given to consideration of the Peninsula Barracks development. Also, however, important applications have been made on the Brooks, on the sites in St George's Street, and elsewhere. No. 1 Bridge Street, the listed building by the Mill, has now been successfully restored and, but for the intervention of the Trust, could have been lost, particularly in so far as the interior was concerned. The Trust has continued its listing policy and during the year two Regency houses in North Walls have been added to the statutory list.
The Trust is very much concerned by the detoriorating condition of the Buttercross and the Westgate, both important Ancient Monuments, which have been in urgent need of repair for a long time. We are told that English Heritage are moving slowly. However, the buildings belong to Winchester and it should not be beyond the ability of the City Council to find some means of carrying out these repairs before it is too late. In the meantime, the Buttercross should be protected.
The Trust initiated and agreed to make a substantial financial contribution towards the restoration of the balustrade at No. 4 Eastgate Street (the "round on round" terrace) and members may have observed that work on this small but important improvement is now complete, continuing a long tradition of such works for which the Trust has been responsible. On this occasion we are also grateful to the owners, Prof. and Mrs. Berry, for grants from English Heritage and the City and County Councils, and the Radley House Partnership which gave its time free of charge.