Public reaction to Winchester College's plans for two boarding houses and development on a playing field has been mixed.

The college, the city's biggest private employer, is seeking planning permission for the scheme on tennis courts at Kingsgate Park, off St Cross Road.

A large chunk of Kingsgate Park would also be redeveloped for an all-weather hockey pitch with artificial grass. Two sections of wall on St Cross Road will be demolished to allow access to the houses.

They are needed for the private school to accept girl boarders from 2024.

The application has comments from 16 objectors and four supporters.

It has also had a neutral comment from the City of Winchester Trust.

Jane Heard, secretary of Kingsgate Tennis Club, said: “The college has been proactive in presenting the case for this development and seeking the opinions of us as an active tennis club with over 500 members.

“We only see this development as a positive benefit to Winchester and our tennis club members. The facility would benefit various clubs, in particular hockey, but it also will allow a much increased tennis facility in the summer.”

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Mike Nell, of Mornington Drive, said: “I wish to register my strong objection to the installation of an all weather pitch in the above application.

“At a time when the quality of our ground-water, rivers and streams is under more threat than ever before, the introduction of such a large source of chemical and particulate pollution is unconscionable - we need to preserve the quality our water courses rigorously for the sake of the health of people, wildlife and the planet.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

Katherine Elsmore, of Edgar Road, said: “The proposed development will in no way preserve or enhance the area and will have a significant detrimental effect upon the local residential area.”

Andrew Short, director of sport at Pilgrims' School, said: “This proposed facility would be a vast improvement on the original, offering greater flexibility of access until later due to lighting and the ability to play on a full size hockey pitch. As a school, we would look forward to a broadening of our sporting provision, particularly in terms of hockey and tennis, in our local vicinity.”

The college says the development is vital to its long-term future: "In order to be able to continue to contribute to the cultural, social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the city, the College needs to retain its position as a leading educational establishment, that has adapted to meets the needs of pupils in the future. Without investment in new buildings and other facilities, the College’s prestige and its ability to maintain its existing land and buildings to the current high standards is vulnerable."

To view the plans online, search 22/02812/FUL on Winchester City Council's planning portal.