WINCHESTER planners have permitted a college's scheme to extend its boat house by the Itchen Navigation to accommodate its new female students. 

Mark Rides, assistant works bursar at the college, submitted the plan which includes the removal of two trees. 

The college, which charges more than £49,000 per year, started admitting girls to the sixth form in September 2022. This means they have to extend their facilities at the boat house, in Domum Road, Wharf Hill, to provide showers and changing rooms. 

The plans include the removal of an ash and a sycamore, both of which are said to be in poor condition. A hedgerow will be planted on the northern boundary to replace them.

Hampshire Chronicle: Winchester College boat house plan

READ MORE: Twyford farm redevelopment plans approved by Winchester city council

Winchester City Council planning officers permitted the scheme using delegated powers on May 24. The application received one objection and three neutral comments, including one from the City of Winchester Trust. 

Richard Kenchington, of Pavilion Close, Fair Oak, said: “I object to the proposal to plant a hedgerow immediately adjacent to Footpath No 32 Winchester as it is bound to encroach on the width of the path between hedge cutting. The centreline of a hedge should not be allowed to be planted closer than 2m of a right of way for that reason. In this location only a fence should be permitted.”

Peter Gubb, of Wharf Hill, raised a non-planning issue. He wrote: “I have no objection in principle to the application, but would like the College to try to control the noise when the pupils are exercising - preferably by turning the music down somewhat and closing the rear fire door.”