Sir John Moore Barracks consultation gets mixed reactions

Nearly 200 people attended the first stage of engagement events for the Sir John Moore Barracks, to give their feedback.

Many residents are hoping for sustainable and affordable properties for new homeowners and viable traffic mitigation.

Concerns include the destruction of biodiversity, with Littleton Parish Council previously launching a petition to save 25 hectares of green space around the barracks as a nature reserve.

The proposed development at Flowerdown near Littleton is designed to coincide with the closure of the military base, following defence cutbacks, in 2026.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is showcasing four development principles including, a sustainable place to live, a distinctive place, a walkable neighbourhood and enhancing biodiversity and the landscape.

The consultation at Henry Beaufort School (Image: Adele Bouchard)

READ MORE: Sir John Moore Barracks: Public consultations to begin on major plans

The DIO hosted two consultation events, one at Littleton Memorial Hall on Friday, November 10 and another at Henry Beaufort School on Saturday, November 11.

Roger and Sue Farrall have lived in Buriton Road for more than 50 years and are generally positive about the plans.

Roger Farrall (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Roger, 78, said: “It’s good they’re doing the consultations. It should be beautiful when it’s finished and the traffic will flow.

“They’re saying all the right things about the environment and a heritage trail is a good idea. We have faith in the city council.

“I like the idea of a park and ride and selfishly I hope there might be accommodation for older people so we can move there."

Sue, 79, said: “Barton Farm was built with nothing for older people, the elderly don’t always want to live in flats. A garden is a wonderful thing.

“If they’re going to build all these houses there must be provision for young people who are looking to buy their first home.

“Originally, we weren’t happy about Kings Barton but if they hadn’t built homes in Harestock we wouldn’t have a home so the same goes here.”

Duncan and Jo Traill, who live in Harestock Road, were pleased with the proposal of a wildlife corridor but believe the space would be best used as business park, a plan that was previously scrapped.

Duncan, 58, said: “We’ve both that our preferred solution would be a business park as there is not enough in Winchester.

“The concern that everybody has it the increase in traffic. We’re worried Chestnut Avenue will become a proper road rather than just for access.

“There’s a need for more starter homes, not expensive housing. It would be the perfect place for young families to move to with all the greenery.”

Jo said: “The traffic is already noticeably higher since Barton Farm. Winchester is short of employment opportunities so every has to commute out, it would be great to see more here.”

Henry and Barbara Garfath, who are both in their 70s and live near Henry Beaufort School, were less impressed and felt the DIO could have used less jargon.

Barbara and Henry Garfath (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Barbara said: “I wish they could have explained all these acronyms. It comes across as if they have already decided what they are doing so our feedback doesn’t matter.”

Henry said: “They said all this same stuff about Kings Barton and there still isn’t a bus route that goes there and the play area keeps getting flooded.”

Barbara Purvis said: “Residents in Harestock are very worried about people traffic being diverted through Harestock.”

SEE ALSO: Kings Barton: Residents write to Secretary of State over Andover Road

Flick Drummond speaking to Will Jankowski of Meeting Place (Image: Meeting Place)

Flick Drummond, Meon Valley MP and next year’s Conservative candidate for Winchester, shared the same concern over traffic, with Andover Road due to be closed to through traffic.

Speaking at the consultation, the MP, said: “With all the traffic it’s just not a good idea to close it.

“If we don’t have decent roads in place, people will take shortcuts. With this development moving forward hopefully it will push Andover Road to be reconsidered.

“I’m really impressed with what they are doing and the consultations they are holding. I’ve urged them have monthly meetings as that is how I’ve seen other developments be successful in other places.

“It’s early days but they have promised they are going to build beautifully and sustainably which is important.”

Winchester City Council leader, Martin Tod, was keen to hear residents’ feedback. Cllr Tod, said: “It’s great people are getting involved with the process. I hope the developers will think about how to make it work as part of Winchester.

“They want to design a place that is distinctive and attractive but the other part is that it needs to be easy to identify and for people to find their way around.

“I’m really pleased to see so many people here and that they are being listened to. They seem to be really engaging with the point residents are making and that is what we expect from people working on major developments.”

Following calls at the consultation for the decision on Andover Road to be reversed, Cllr Tod, said: “Cala Homes has been given irrevocable permission to build the road but we need to all keep talking as to how we can make things better and that includes how Sir John Moore Barracks will work in the context of the plans that the government sent off for Andover Road.”

Will Jankowski, from PR company Meeting Place which hosted the events, said: "“We are delighted with the level of local interest and engagement surrounding the future of Sir John Moore Barracks.

"This is the first stage of our four-stage consultation programme over the coming months, with the next being a series of community workshops in December, the details of which will be available on our website shortly and we hope to see many people from across the local community there."