TrustNews Dec 19

Chairman's Jottings

Water Garden, Colebrook Street

First of all, l should like to thank Judith Martin for undertaking a good deal of research on the water garden in Colebrook Street, working alongside Sally Miller of the Hampshire Gardens Trust. As many of you will know there was an explosion of objections to the planning application for a house set in the grounds of the water garden which would have compromised a much loved view across the garden designed specifically to focus the view to the east end of the Cathedral. The good news is that the planning department has refused the application.

While l was preparing the Trust's response to the application, I took a good look at number 34. I have always considered it was one of Winchester's building gems so I was surprised to find that it is only listed grade 2. Pevsner records the building as being re-modelled by the architect, Henry Holland for his own use around 1790. Henry Holland had a very impressive client base, amongst whom was Lord Palmerstone, who employed him to undertake the design of Broadlands. Henry Holland's life was based in London, so it seems curious that apparently, he is recorded as having altered this house for himself. Maybe he prepared a base for his use while Broadlands was underway in the same period?

Government Planning White Paper

John Beveridge masterminded our response to the Government White Paper on their proposal to streamline the planning system. We considered the paper had some good ideas, but also some very naive propositions mixed in with suggestions which we considered extremely difficult to deliver. John took on a difficult task and deserves a vote of thanks together with the team who helped with contributions.

Civic Voice

A number of Trust Council members have been attending webinars convened by Civic Voice. The webinars are for making suggestions, as well as exploring ways of how trusts, up and down the country, could pick up on the white paper suggestions for involving the public in improving the planning system, the designing of mass housing etc. These webinars are still ongoing, and it will be interesting to see whether they inspire some positive results.

Winchester Projects

Although we are aware that Station Approach is under consideration by Winchester City Council - the Trust has been involved in some of the discussions - there is nothing as yet of any substance to report. For an update on the Central area (Silver Hill), see page 8.

The other ongoing engagement is a vision statement for Winchester being prepared for the City Council by Jones, Lang, Lascelles, who are in the process of producing their findings ready for discussion shortly. We await with interest!

 

Keith Leaman