THE group pitted against Royaldown are urging residents to have their say on the latest Local Plan over traffic fears.

Consultation on Winchester City Council's plan refresh draws to a close on April 12.

This will shape future infrastructure investments and determine which areas can be developed across the district.

Save South Winchester Campaign Group is pleading that Royaldown – the scheme to build a new town between Winchester and Hursley – is not considered.

Hampshire County Councillor and Hursley resident Jan Warwick said: “We know our local traffic network is stretched to the limit in normal times, so it was important for us to understand the traffic impact from another 5,000 houses, 2,000 space Park and Ride, two schools, shops and commercial sites.

"The report estimates the site will generate 25,000 additional car journeys everyday piling onto Badger Farm Road, Poles Lane and the M3 junctions”.

According to the group, the site does not offer foot and cycle connectivity to key amenities or stations within 15-minutes, meaning it does not meet Winchester City Council's criteria for development.

Chairman of Hursley Parish Council David Killeen said: “It is clear from this comprehensive traffic report that Royaldown will not be the utopian sustainable transport development the developers’ vision document suggests. Residents will commute to and from the site each day and the location does not offer easy connectivity to either Winchester or Shawford stations.”

Members of Save South Winchester are also concerned that 1,000 houses could be built on South Winchester Golf Club in the near future.

The site was identified by the council as a potential area for housebuilding. This could generate another 5,000 vehicle movements every day.

Another area of concern raised by the group is the potential outcome of Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH) discussions regarding housing allocations, which are not made public.

The most recent housing numbers for Southampton were increased by 35 per cent in December 2020, and along with other urban authorities, they may find regeneration sites challenging to deliver.

Oliver’s Battery resident David Kirkby said: “Winchester City Council have a duty to cooperate with neighbouring authorities and it is anticipated that these other members of PfSH may say they can’t provide the numbers required and expect the Winchester District to take additional housing numbers.

"Winchester City Council have agreed to take additional numbers in the past. If they do so again it would fundamentally change the strategic options for housing growth across the district and put huge pressure on local green field sites.”

Save South Winchester Campaign Group is urging residents to respond to the public consultation on the refresh of the Local Plan.