Chairman's Miscellany - TrustNews Dec 2005
The Inspectors' report on the Local Plan Review has some welcome recommendations in respect of the need for recognition of local character in determining planning applications. However, the proposals for reserve sites to be included give us cause for concern as the Winchester sites are to be used to accommodate any shortfall in housing provision anywhere in the district - i.e.West of Waterlooville. The largest site proposed is at Pitt Manor Farm which forms a very sensitive part of Winchester's setting. This site could be used to accommodate housing for another 1,000 people in addition to the plan requirement for Winchester. The Trust believes that there are good reasons for the City Council to amend this modification before the matter goes forward for public comment in January.
The need for improving design in the streets of our city has a high profile in this edition of TrustNews for good reason. Members who attended the AGM in September were introduced to radical ideas which have proved successful elsewhere and are reproduced here to reach a wider audience. English Historic Towns Forum also adopted this theme for their recent conference and it is important to persuade our local authorities to give serious consideration to solutions that could transform Winchester's street scene for the benefit of all.
Ever since the successful restoration of the balustrades on the terrace of houses in Eastgate Street, the Trust has been anxious to see the restoration of the railings which were donated to the 'war effort' about 60 years ago. Thanks to Huw Thomas, who has produced the design work, Nick Bourne and Michael Carden who have organized the work programme and the County and City Councils who have assembled grants contributions, work is due to start on site this month and the Trust is managing the project as well as making a financial contribution.
Dialogue with Thornfields and he architects for the Silver Hill development continue and the timetable of events to progress the plans is listed elsewhere. Council members have also met representatives of London & Henley to see their proposals for the part of the site in their ownership.
Most recently the Trust has submitted to a Select Committee considering Heritage matters, a paper written by Michael Carden MBE putting the case for a Heritage town status to be adopted to protect such towns from the excesses of high density development. If any member would like to support this or has views for the Select Committee to consider,the contact address is: Mr. Kenneth Fox, Clerk to the Select Committee for Culture Media and Sport - cmscom@parliament.uk
In accordance with the request made at the AGM, a meeting has been arranged for Friday 1st February at 7.0 pm in the United Church Hall, Jewry Street to discuss matters of interest to members. It would be helpful if topics for discussion could be notified to the Trust Office beforehand so that we can use the time efficiently. We should also like to have your ideas for celebrating our 50th anniversary for which we have only a year to prepare.
Meanwhile - all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all members of the Trust.