Winchester planning committee likely to hear Bushfield plans in June

As previously reported, public consultation for the major development opened on October 27 and ran for almost six weeks, ending on December 7. During this period, the scheme received more than 800 objections.

The cabinet member for place and local plan, Cllr Jackie Porter, said the application for the project is likely to be heard by the planning committee no earlier than May or June.

READ MORE: More than 800 objections to major development scheme at former army base

She said: “It’s become clear as the process has continued that concerns about the highway's impact of Bushfield are particularly important for residents – and so the city council is absolutely committed to ensuring that National Highways and Hampshire County Council take the time they need to properly and thoroughly assess the impact of the applications.

Cllr Jackie Porter said that the planning committee is unlikely to hear the application for Bushfield Camp before May (Image: Winchester City Council)

"As a result, based on the timetable they have given us, it is likely that the Bushfield application will not be able to come to committee before May or June – possibly later.”

Cllr Porter also discussed how many residents will be able to address the committee, adding: “The decision as to how it will be handled is – as was agreed in the new Constitution last month – is a matter for the Planning Committee itself and not for the administration.

“My hope is that the Committee will look to run a process that allows a full range of residents and affected organisations – including parish councils to have their say. I have spoken to the chair of the Committee, Councillor Rutter, and this is her intention as well.”

Cllr Porter’s comments were made during a council meeting on Wednesday, January 17.

At the same meeting, Cllr Adrian Brophy asked how a request by National Highways to have more time to assess the traffic impacts of the Bushfield Camp development will affect the timeline for making a decision on the plan.

Cllr Adrian Brophy (Image: Contributed)

SEE ALSO: 'We need to move': family's stress over mould and damp in their council house

Cllr Porter replied: “I know how concerned local residents are about the traffic and transport implications of the Bushfield planning application.

“I am reassured therefore, that National Highways have sought more time to work through the highway implications of the application with the developer. The outcome of the National Highways’ discussions with the applicant will then be reconsidered by Hampshire Highways who will be given the opportunity to resubmit their comments too.

“Once those comments have been received, it will be important for the public to have their say as well – particularly if there is significant new information. And, if this is the case, we will allow time in the process for this to happen.”