Chairman's Jottings - TrustNews Mar 13
One of the main events so far this year has been the display of Roger Brown’s model of Winchester in the Great Hall. The model has been brought out of storage, repaired and now looks immaculate. The model is about four and a half meters in diameter and one is amazed at the amount of research required and all the work that was necessary for its construction. I was told that it took 9 years to build and I know that Roger was helped to a considerable extent by Michael Morris who was at the County Architect's office at the time of this project.
Roger Brown was Chief County Planning Officer and undertook the model on his retirement from that post. He has threatened to set fire to it but it seems far too valuable an asset to carry out such a drastic solution to a storage problem. The County has undertaken to look after the model until such time as a permanent solution to a display area can be arrived at. If anybody has any inspirational ideas, please let me know. The County Council has confirmed that the model will remain on display in the Great Hall until 15th March 2013.
Barton Farm continues to exercise the minds of the Winchester Trust. No doubt as many of you know, outline approval was granted by the Minister of State, Eric Pickles, last year. Design codes are currently being prepared which will be incorporated into the detail planning applications. These codes are currently being discussed and monitored between the developer, the local authority planning department and a number of local pressure groups including the Winchester Trust.
With the Government drive for large numbers of housing units, it would seem to be a great opportunity to examine and possibly re-think the way in which estates are planned, particularly in the face of over-use of resources from land through to material provision and fuel supply. It could be suggested that it is irresponsible not to re-think the ‘developer’ estate. Densities generally are far too low, currently the average is around 30-35 units to the hectare; double would appear to be far more appropriate. Moreover it is an important human consideration that any large scheme should be a joy to live in and should provide a sense of place to be proud of; in other words it should be aesthetically pleasing with a strong sense of community.
The Trust is once again preparing to organise our Design Awards scheme and David Marklew has bravely undertaken to organise this event. I say bravely because from past experience I know that there is a great deal of work with many frustrations attached to the organisation of such a scheme! On the other hand the awards are highly respected within the profession and they do help towards encouraging a good standard of design, so we consider it an important contribution towards improving Wincherster's building scene.