Councillors focus on the need for extra housing

From the archive, first published Monday 7th Nov 2005.

WINCHESTER civic chiefs are backing proposals that would spread housing developments across the county .

The county council is consulting over the South East Plan 2006-2026 which aims to focus development at Southampton and Portsmouth.

The city council Cabinet supports the proposal that would minimise new housing on greenfield sites such as Barton Farm in the Winchester area.

The plan proposes 800 new houses a year across central Hampshire and the New Forest with only about 100 a year on new greenfield sites. That compares with 4,000 a year or 80,000 in total across south Hampshire.

Winchester councillors have concerns that major housing schemes on countryside in Fareham, Eastleigh and Waterlooville will impact heavily on the southern part of the Winchester district.

Councillor Georgina Busher, who represents Bishop's Waltham, said: "There is a danger of huge development in north Fareham and Hedge End."