Planning Appraisal Group - TrustNews Dec 15
The groups have dealt with an average number of cases this month (although they have not been very evenly spaced) leaving some panels with very short lists, and others with rather long ones. Many of these applications are for dormers and extensions, some of them on a very significant scale. We have objected in cases where the modifications seem to dwarf the original house. The Trust has also reiterated its objections (which have so far fallen on deaf ears) to the creeping expansion of the Christmas market at the Cathedral into the area round the West Front and the War Memorial.
We have objected to yet another proposal to redevelop the site at 15 Chilbolton Avenue. In such cases we seek to be consistent with comments we have previously made, and do check to see whether objections to prior proposals have been addressed in subsequent applications. The latest proposal for Chilbolton Avenue, for example, has not fully addressed the issue of overlooking neighbouring property, one of our grounds for objecting to a previous proposal. In addition the new proposal involves building down the slope toward the golf course, contrary to the policy laid out in CALADS (the Chilbolton Avenue Design Statement). We were encouraged to learn from Julie Pinnock, Head of Development Management at Winchester City Council, that although the Winchester Area Design Statements were completed ten years or so ago, they are still regarded as a basis for planning decisions and until revised are incorporated by reference into the new Winchester District Plan Part 1. These design statements can be found at
http://www.winchester.gov.uk/planning-policy/village-design-statements
Arthur Morgan and Mary Tiles had a very constructive meeting with Julie Pinnock in which they learned more about the steps the planning process and the constraints that the city is now required by central government to operate under.
City planners have recently refused two proposals that would have increased multiple occupancy in Stanmore (one at 86 Cromwell Road and the other at 114 Stanmore Lane). The Trust fully supports those decisions.
We have been notified that Peter Symonds College is hoping to construct a new Arts Faculty Building. Trust members have been invited to an Open House on 23 November 6-8pm at Peter Symonds to view plans for the proposed building. If interested members attend, please feed back to the Trust any comments you may have.
As may be observed, this is not Shione Carden's report and I lack her in-depth knowledge of the planning process and its history in Winchester. I thank her for holding my hand as I have gradually tried to take over some parts of her previously pivotal role. Since she is scheduled to be admitted to hospital tomorrow (11th November) this report will not have benefited from her corrections or suggestions; so all sins of omission or commission are mine. I am sure we all hope that her operation is successful and that she is well on the way to recovery by the time you read this.