Week 1 article

Barton Farm article

A public inquiry has begun into the development of 2000 homes on Barton Farm, North Winchester.

The opening statement attracted more than 100 protesters outside the Guildhall, where the public inquiry is set to take place.

The proposed development by Cala Homes has sparked a decade long debate over the future of the 230 acre brownfield site. If the plans go ahead, the site will become a small community, consisting of 2000 houses, a school, nursery and shops.

A new road infrastructure will also be incorporated into the development.The increase in traffic around the area is the main concern of campaigners. They say that the city does not have the capacity for anymore traffic. Other environmental worries include flooding and pollution. The vast area of farmland is extremely popular with walkers and cyclists.

Campaigners, the Barton Farm Group, headed by Gavin Blackman say that the development is a “short sighted, short term solution to housing numbers.”

Cala Homes argue that Winchester is in desperate need of housing, that it is not an issue that will go away and the proposal will accommodate this demand. Part of the scheme includes 'affordable' housing, with 800 of the 2000 homes designed for those struggling to get on the property market.

Mike Emmett, the strategic land director for Cala Homes says that although, “it is extremely unpopular with a small section of local people” he is confident that the inquiry will rule in favour of the development. The inquiry is likely to run on for eight days.

By Natasha Spencer

Comment

I learnt an invaluable lesson this week, in that despite having consent from the audience as a whole, the picture used included a protest sign of Barton Farm and six individuals. As consent was not given by each specific individual, the picture was unable to be put up.