From the Chairman - TrustNews Mar 2004
In addition to the regular monitoring of planning applications within the city, the Trust Council tries to keep abreast of other activities that have a bearing on the character of Winchester.
Following up the resolution passed at the Trust's AGM on the future of the Public Library, we have made representations to the County Council. There has now been a public consultation to establish whether to refurbish the existing building and include the reference library in it, or to extend the building to provide facilities appropriate for a modern library. When the results are analysed and the choice determined by the County and City Councils, we have been promised an opportunity to see the designs at an early stage.
Readers may recall that the City Council refused planning permission for the refurbishment of the Police Headquarters. The Trust was approached by Philip Morgan to endorse his suggestion for lobbying and organizing a petition in order to persuade the Police Authority to desist from its endeavours to prolong the life of this hideously prominent eyesore. The Council of the Trust agreed to support this action and hopes it will receive wholehearted support from members.
We were pleased to be included recently in the City Council's consultation on car-parking policy. We wait, anxiously, to learn whether the recommended funding will be provided for producing Neighbourhood Design Statements and Development Briefs. Their production is vital to retain the character of Winchester's leafy suburbs and other distinctive localities. Although changes have been made to the Revised Local Plan to accommodate the policies, these will be pointless without the resources to support their implementation. The Local Plan Inquiry will commence in June and the Trust's principle objection will be to the provision of Tourist facilities at Bushfield because the area is so important visually to the setting of our city.
Design and style in architecture have ever been subjects to provoke differing views. The Trust Council feels that members would welcome an opportunity to debate the subject, so a meeting has been arranged on Thursday April 29th at 7.30 p.m. in the Guildhall. Christopher Clark QC (Chancellor of the Diocese) has kindly agreed to act as Chairman; Adam Wilkinson, Secretary of SAVE and Richard Feilden, an eminent architect, will introduce the debate.
We feel sure that members and their guests will find "The Design Debate" stimulating and an opportunity to air their views. We have hired the Council Chamber for the event. It seats 150 so there should be eno ugh room for everyone. We hope you will put this date in your diary at once and bring any friends who may be interested.