Planning Developments - TrustNews February 1991
Probably the most important of recent planning applications was for the Carfax site on the corner of Sussex Street, where the County Council intends to build a new Hampshire Record Office. Having initially objected to the proposals mainly because there was inadequate information, the Trust was given a presentation by the County Council at which it was possible to study the scheme in detail. We now believe both that this is a suitable site for the Record Office and that the building itself should be one of which Winchester will be proud depending on the solution to a few remaining problems.
Sussex Street is probably the ugliest street in Winchester due to the demolitions, road widening and monolithic rebuilding carried out by the local authorities in the 60s. The Trust expressed fears that the new Record Office, which is to have a high blank wall onto Sussex Street, might add to the soulless quality of the street, however good it might be in other respects, unless room could be made for a line of trees on the pavement. During discussion it appeared that the County Architect agreed and he suggested that the roadway should be narrowed so that trees could line its full length. We have urged the County to incorporate a commitment to undertake this improvement.
The Trust was also concerned about the proposals for landscaping within the site, and the materials for the roof, both of which were rather vague at that stage. We were assured, however, that we should be given an opportunity to comment on these points again later. Long term ideas for the site (see sketch plan) suggest the possibility of further development to include the Library Headquarters, housing to the south, and shops to the north along Station Hill. The Trust considers it to be very important that the retention of the South Western Hotel is guaranteed in any future scheme as a foil to so much new building, and because of its relationship with the Railway Station.
The Trust was also given a presentation of another large-scale scheme, this time on the outskirts of the City on the old allotment site at Winnall Manor Road, where it is proposed that 162 units ranging in size from three-bedroom houses to one-bedroom flats should be built. The Trust's main concern here was once again related to landscaping, as well as to circulation throughout the site, both of great importance in a development of this size, and there were also reservations about a few of the architectural details proposed for some of the blocks.
The Peninsula Barracks application has again been deferred, we understand, pending the submission of revised plans by the developers.
From time to time the Trust can point to some part of Winchester that it has played a direct part in saving. Such a case arose when application was made to demolish and replace the 18th/19th century brick wall of St. Thomas' Passage at the rear of 31 Southgate Street. The Trust objected on the grounds that the old wall was repairable, and we are pleased to report that our objection was upheld by the Planning Committee.
We are also very pleased to learn that the Ciy Council has taken steps to prevent any further deterioration of the six Listed Buildings at Pitt Manor Farm, destined for conversion to a leisure complex but abandoned when the developers, Leading Leisure, ceased trading.
Carfax site Winchester possible development