Chairman's News - TrustNews Sept 02
This summer edition of TrustNews was originally intended to be more light-hearted than usual. However, as we have recently been criticised over the manner in which we have reached decisions concerning certain controversial planning applications within the City, we are including extracts from the Trust's constitution, which all members of the Trust Council are required to follow. This is a reminder that we give our opinion on planning matters without fear or favour.
We have no objection to criticism of our decisions concerning planning applications because there is nothing more likely to cause diversity of view than a proposal to build something new in our own neighbourhood. But where the criticisms were factually inaccurate, I attempted to correct the errors in a letter, which was published in the Hampshire Chronicle on July 26th.
Minstrels and Friary concern
I have received a number of letters from people who are concerned about proposals relating to Minstrels and to the Friary. I have replied to all of them either in writing or by telephone, whether the author is a member of the Trust or not. I am pleased to receive your letters at the Heritage Centre as it indicates to me that we are engaging with our membership, which, incidentally, is rising.
Our support for the proposals at Minstrels was the result of careful examination by both of the viewing panels and the Council of the Trust. There was a presentation of the plans by its architect, Huw Thomas, but he took no part in the discussion that followed the presentation and, as I wrote in my letter, his other proposals have been both supported and objected to since his election to the Council.
City and County Councillors representing City Wards may be elected to the Council of the Trust in the usual way at an Annual General Meeting but they take no part in the process of deliberation concerning the views that will be put forward as our comments to the Planning or other committees of their respective councils. We value the diversity of experience and professional skills of all our membership and seek to make the fullest use of them.
Good news on the Friarsgate front
There is good news to report on the Friarsgate front. Our action group has met the director of Thornfield Properties, Mr Michael Capocci, who is responsible for the whole Friarsgate project. He made a most favourable impression on us with his vision for the development and his willingness to listen. Some of the group have walked around the site and City with him and have given him their views on how the Trust would like to see the site developed. The best news is that he has asked the Trust to consider names to be put forward as the Master Planner for the whole development. I have just sent him the list of names which has been carefully selected by members of the group and by Sir Colin Stansfield-Smith. A member of the group, Ray Atfield, is also to sit on the committee, which will make the final choice.
Trials and Tribulations
In addition, Mike Capocci has agreed to be the main speaker at our AGM on Monday 4th November. His subject will be "The Trials and Tribulations of a Developer in Winchester”. When Mike first met us, he gave a demonstration of just what complexity there is in carrying out the role of a developer. Please make a note of the date, come and hear what he has to do and what he hopes to achieve and join in the discussion.
We are delighted that, thanks to the Hampshire County Council, Roger Brown's model of Winchester in 1870 is on view in the Great Hall daily until September 1st but the need to find it a permanent location is no nearer to being met. The Trust Council has not yet discussed the suggestion illustrated in this issue but perhaps it will prompt other ideas or encourage members to lobby the City Council to find this treasure a fitting permanent home in Winchester.
Nick McPherson who organises the Trust's summer walks has illustrated features of this year's diverse programme to date. Those who attended will recognise the individual views and others will we hope enjoy the drawings for their own sake. Below we reproduce an idea from Huw Thomas to provide an exhibition space for Roger Brown's model of 1870 Winchester in the Heritage Centre car park. Many members will remember that in 1996 the Trust obtained planning permission and applied for a lottery grant for a more ambitious scheme to house the model on the site. The money was not forthcoming, largely due to lack of Local Authority support, so we understand that this more modest proposal is intended to be self-financing.
Anyone wishing to see the model can do so any day (including Sunday) between 10 am and 5 pm until September 1st in the Great Hall.