Winchester College: Major scheme permitted by city council

Plans were permitted for the scheme tennis courts at Kingsgate Park, off St Cross Road.

A large chunk of the park will 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.

The boarding houses are needed for the private school to accept girl boarders from 2024. The last boarding houses were built in 1911. 

Winchester City Council's planning committee approved the scheme on Wednesday August 16.

READ MORE: Winchester College: Major scheme to be decided by city council

The development was controversial with 16 objectors and four supporters. However, the committee unanimously agreed with the recommendation to permit.

Edgar Road residents Patrick Morton and Caroline Powell spoke in objection.

Mr Morton said: “We understand that there is a statutory presumption against granting planning permission for development, which would harm a heritage asset. However the ‘Planning Balance and Conclusion’ does not clearly show what the public benefits are, and how or whether these have been considered and weighed up, as required under the National Planning Policy Framework.

"In previous conversations with the College Bursar we were assured that the access points would not be used for pupil drop offs - we now see that the opposite is the case. We also think the College owes a duty of care to its students and creating two new entrances would only serve to allow unwanted intrusions.

"We believe that these are both unnecessary and potentially unsafe. Although we were assured by the college that our concern over the use of on-street parking would be taken into account, there is no mention of this as a condition in the Construction Management Plan."

Ms Powell said: “There is no architectural merit at all that I can see in the ugly buildings proposed and I truly think Winchester College would be better served if it future proofed itself and thought decades or even centuries ahead. Boarders do not need to return to their houses during the day and Winchester College can afford and deliver much better to the city and their pupils.”

Dr Tim Hands spoke to the committee in his penultimate duty as Winchester College headmaster. Dr Hands will be replaced by Elizabeth Stone at the start of the next academic year. His last role will be overseeing A level results today.

He said: “The college has not always recognised the allure of modernity. Schools exist to serve the community. We want to promote social mobility. 

“We need boarding houses for girls and until we have them we will not have equality. We haven't built a new boarding house since 1911.

“The college has engaged with schools, sports clubs and residents which will continue during the construction. I hope you will support this new vision.”

Cllr Jane Rutter, committee chairman, said: “I would like to commend our officers on the work on this. I understand the concerns of local residents, but this will be an enhancement to the city.”

Cllr Chris Edwards was impressed by the design. He said: “It's an energy-efficient and well-designed building. It will complement the character of the conservation area.”

The committee voted unanimously to permit the development.