Chairman's Miscellany - TrustNews Mar 12
2012 opened with the news that the Kilham Lane/Pitt Manor planning application for 200 dwellings had been won at appeal. This means that when built the development will become a prominent visual intrusion onto one of the distinctive green routes into Winchester. On a positive note one could imagine that a well designed, imaginatively landscaped development could make a positive contribution to Winchester. However judging by the proposals seen so far, this appears unlikely, for it just seems to be another suburban, lack-lustre approach, which we can see in most towns up and down the country.
The Barton Farm development took yet another new twist this week. The Minister, Eric Pickles, has admitted that his recent appeal decision to refer the decision back to the City Council was unsound. He has confirmed he will reconsider the outcome. In the mean time the Trust will continue discussions with the developer and the council because we are determined to ensure that, if the development does go ahead, it is designed to the highest possible standards.
As no doubt many of you will be aware, the Trust recently published a booklet `Winchester and its Setting'. Looking at our comments concerning the Pitt landscape, it is disappointing that we were unable to present a copy of the report to the Inspector during the hearing. Unfortunately the booklet was published after the event - who knows, it might have made a difference! Another housing development which will be viewed with interest is taking place on the Southgate Garage site just south of the cinema. It is a prominent site and there is obviously the potential for a strong urban design which could give an interesting contribution to this central area of Winchester.
His Honour Judge Christopher Clark has recently been posted away from Winchester and therefore is unable to continue as an active President of the Trust. He has kindly offered to stay on as President until we can find another willing candidate to fill this important post. We will greatly miss him; together with his wife he has been most supportive, as well as contributing a great deal to our endeavours.
Iain Patton has been working hard to put together an interesting programme of events this year, with visits to Guildford, Malvern, and Portsmouth. It would be marvellous if his efforts were rewarded by a 'full house'. The same applies to John Beveridge who has organised some interesting talks and walks, no doubt a little provocative, a touch inspiring and very informative.