Chairman's Message - TrustNews Summer 2001
Winchester Conservation Area Project
This project has been undertaken for Winchester City Council with the support of Hampshire County Council, the City of Winchester Trust and English Heritage. The consultants for the project were Urban Initiatives and Alan Baxter Associates.
College Street in the Conservation Area
Its aim has been to identify the key qualities that the Conservation Area contributes to the City and its international heritage status. The study was undertaken in three parts. Firstly, an appraisal to assess the Area's quality and character. It describes the development of the City and its formative influences. It then goes on to identify the City’s historic assets, their contribution to the environment and their contribution to the environment and their potential for enhancement. The second part a Review, which highlights the issues raised in the Appraisal, including detracting features and the opportunities for enchantment.
The third part is the Strategy. This sets targets and priorities, in order to give direction and purpose to the management of the Conservation Area, and to provide a benchmark for future reviews. It also, most importantly, identifies a range of policies for its implementation.
These are listed below:
- Development planning policy, including policy recommendations, Supplementary Planning Guidance, and Article 4 Direction.
- Integrated Planning Policy
- Public Information and Advice
- Management and organizational structures and procedures.
The Project provides Winchester City with a powerful tool for the management of the Conservation Area. It has identified a huge amount of work to be carried out and this will need considerable commitment and manpower to carry it through to its conclusion.
If you want to see the documents they are available:
- At the Local Studies section of the Lending Library in Jewry Street
- If you have access to the web they can be found at;
www.winchester. gov. uk
Broadway and Friarsgate Development
At the time of writing no movement appears to have taken place concerning this important development that will have considerable impact on this area of the City. The developers consultants have still not declared their hand on the solution to the many traffic problems which are at the center of this project. Until these are resolved and approved by the County and the City there can be no move forward. As soon as we are in a position to inform you we will do so.
Park & Ride - Bar End Extension
Final approval has been given for the proposal incorporating the Secretary of State's planning conditions. The work will be put out to tender without delay, but it is thought unlikely that the scheme will be completed before the end of the current financial year.
Mobile Phone Masts
It is possible that the government may bring forward new legislation regarding mobile telephone aerial masts under 15m in height, but it is unlikely to affect the permitted development rights of the mobile telephone companies. We are awaiting Winchester City's policy statement and will make comments when published. The masts are an emotive subject and the Trust will do its best to ensure that future siting affecting the conservation area is carried out in a sensitive and unobtrusive manner.
Trees at West Down
You may have noticed that the trees lining the railings at the former West Down School on the Romsey Road have, during the re-building programme been cleared and not replaced. The Trust has taken up this matter with the Planning Department.
Subscriptions
May I remind all those members who have not yet renewed their subscription to please do so without delay. Our Secretary needs your help to keep the membership records up-to-date. Please help her.