Winchester residents form action group over threat of development (From Romsey Advertiser)
When news happens, text ROMS and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Winchester residents form action group over threat of development
3:38pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in Winchester By Wesley Rock
Abbotts Barton residents gather near Dyson Drive to oppose council plans to build new homes on the green space
ANGRY residents in Abbotts Barton have formed an action group in response to controversial housing plans.
Sixty new homes are being proposed for several sites in Abbotts Barton, but residents are concerned about the impact on school places, parking and traffic.
A spokesman for the Abbotts Barton Community Development Action Group said: “The prospect of even more development is likely to place further stresses on the area beyond the limit of what the community can reasonably be expected to absorb so quickly.
“The very least the community expects is to have its say on which (if any) of the possible development sites should be used and how those sites might be developed.”
The Chronicle reported at the start of September how Dyson Drive residents were unhappy at plans for several sites, including a grassy area off Dyson Drive, land off Chaundler Road, and three garage blocks.
Revealing the plans in July, city councillor Ian Tait, portfolio holder for new homes delivery, said: “Dyson Drive looks an ideal site, and gives us an opportunity to start rolling out affordable housing in the area in meaningful numbers.”
The proposals are part of a wider council initiative to build 300 new homes over 10 years in Winchester, which faces a shortage of affordable housing.
