CONCERNS have been raised over news that part of a redundant army base on the edge of Winchester is set for major redevelopment as a business park.

Landowner the Church Commissioners has joined with Legal and General Investment Management and developer Gisborne to develop Bushfield Camp.

They envisage a 1million sq ft regeneration of the camp which they say has the potential to attract major interest from sectors including life science, academia, media and the health sector.

But local campaigner Bo Priestley said the plans threatened to destroy areas that although 'brownfield' had become an important wildlife habitat.

READ MORE HERE: New plans revealed for Bushfield Camp

She said: "We will be losing a significant brownfield site that is already diverse in plants and wildlife, in return for more traffic, buildings and parking, all of which will affect the surrounding area.

"The Bushfield saga has rumbled on and on, but what local people really care about, I found in my research during 2020, is preserving the wider area's unique setting and its wildlife as an integrated whole. This is the last remaining wedge of the unspoiled downland that used to wrap round Winchester. It in fact extends to a glorious 75 acres if we include Whiteshute Ridge and Bushfield Down, already much loved recreational resources, and two HCC tenanted fields which could easily be added to the mix. It's far too precious for a piecemeal approach."

The camp has been designated in the Winchester City Local Plan for employment. In the 1980s it was proposed as location for a Tesco superstore which was eventually built in Winnall.

Hampshire Chronicle: A map of the Bushfield area

It extends to about 105 acres with around half to be developed, leaving a significant part to be maintained as publicly accessible and biodiverse green space.

Bushfield was a training base until 1971 and some of the military buildings and parade ground remain.

Gordon Aitchison, director of investment and development for LGIM Real Assets, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this once in a generation opportunity to deliver an exemplar development in Winchester. We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders including Winchester City Council, the South Downs National Park Authority and the local community to design a scheme that has an unrivalled focus on sustainability, inclusivity and wellbeing.”

John Weir, head of real estate for The Church Commissioners, added: “A best in class mixed use scheme in Winchester could attract national and global businesses from a broad base given its cathedral city status, outstanding academic profile and attractive lifestyle opportunities located as it is, between the coast and London.

Ms Priestley, of Fairfield Road, Fulflood, said: "Once again, the focus of these new proposals from the Church Commissioners seems to be on the redevelopment of the camp (20 hectares) for employment of an unspecified and somewhat ambitious nature. In addition, we're told that a further 20 acres will be left to be 'designed and maintained as a publicly accessible and biodiverse green space'. The question is: by whom? And where will the money come from? It will cost money, for example, to clear Bushfield Down of its encroaching shrub, fence it and return it to chalk grassland it through grazing.

SEE ALSO: Campaign launched to save Bushfield Down

"I'd like to be much clearer that these plans in fact offer a good pay-back for citizens.

"What we need is a vision that brings together the aspirations of the Church, the city council, the voluntary sector and local communities and secures this whole multiply-owned site's long-term future. I hope that's what our city councillors will be pressing for in the consultation process promised by LGIM Real Assets, in line with the exciting environmental aspirations they've laid out in our Local Plan."

John Godbold, chairman of Badger Farm Parish Council, said: "We would welcome some development on this brownfield site if it does not affect the neighbouring downland. Our main concerns are access onto Badger Farm Road, sympathetic low-rise buildings and adequate parking. Previous plans have included footpaths to St Cross which would have made Badger Farm a ‘de facto car park’ for any development.

"We would like to see provision made to enhance the wildlife habitat. On the original army camp there were two full size football pitches, it would be great if these could be resurrected for public use, as there are not any public sports facilities in southern Winchester. I am sure we will have a lot more to say when there are actual plans to see."