Winchester City Borough Council Kings Barton Forum Meeting

Apologies were received as noted above.

There were no disclosures of interest made.

Councillor Cramoysan announced that an update on site occupations together with S106 and S272 commitments would be provided for the next Forum meeting.  This was likely to be in the form of a verbal update or presentation.

RESOLVED:

          That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 March 2023 be agreed as a correct record

RESOLVED:

          That the future meeting dates be noted as follows:

a)    12 October 2023

b)    12 March 2024

Kings Barton Residents’ Association (KBRA)

Mike Slinn outlined the various matters arising as set out in the notes circulated prior to the meeting from the KBRA, including their meeting with Cala.  The notes were available on the council’s website here.

The following responses were made:

a)    Julie Pinnock (WCC) explained that the KBRA freedom of information request in connection with the Andover Road closure would be dealt with in accordance with legislation.

b)    Robert Green (WCC) advised that a new Senior Planner/ Community Officer has been appointed and was due to start in a few weeks.

c)    Robert Green also provided an update on occupation numbers.

It was noted that responses to other points raised by Mr Slinn would be considered under the relevant agenda items below.

Lisa Cook and Mike Griffin-Thorn (HCC) provided an update on the county council position in relation to the bus service.  In summary, Ms Cook confirmed that the S106 agreement stipulated that a bus service be provided and HCC had received the contributions from the developers.  However, HCC had to exercise their judgement as to the optimum time to launch the service in terms of maximising passenger use and ensuring its long term viability.  For various reasons as explained to the Forum, it was considered it was not currently the right time to start a new service.

Mr Griffin-Thorn advised that a survey was currently underway with residents with approximately 150 responses so far.  Once the closing date for responses had passed, the results would be reviewed and further discussions held with relevant councillors on the proposed way forward.

Ms Cook and Mr Griffin-Thorn responded to questions from Forum Members and Mr Slinn (KBRA) on the following:

• Confirmation that there were no current plans to divert any existing bus services through the site.
• The likely elements required to achieve a viable bus service in the future

·       A viable “normal” bus service would likely need as a minimum:

a.     Winchester Avenue to be a through route from the north to the south.

b.    An operating parking facility requiring a “park & ride” service and

c.     Sufficient housing occupancy to provide a service demand that will grow as Kings Barton grows.  

Councillor Cramoysan thanked Ms Cook and Mr Griffin-Thorn for the update.

Jo Holmes (HCC) provided an update on progress with the design and adoption of Winchester Avenue.  In summary, she advised that positive progress had been achieved over the last three months.  She emphasised the complexity of the works required in terms of the technical design audit and also legal agreements with multiple stakeholders

Ms Holmes responded to questions from Forum Members and Mr Slinn (KBRA) on the following:

• Options for improving pedestrian crossing safety on Winchester Avenue and throughout Phases 1A and 1B.
• The intention that residential roads would have a 20mph speed limit.

In addition, Ian Curry (CALA) responded to questions regarding the likely timeframe for final road surfacing works to be completed on Winchester Avenue and on other roads within the development. 

Councillor Cramoysan thanked Ms Holmes for the update.

Steve Lincoln (WCC) provided an update on the proposal to transfer public open space land within the development to Headbourne Worthy Parish Council.  The proposals would be considered by Cabinet on 18 July 2023 (report CAB3418 refers).

Mr Lincoln responded to questions from Forum Members regarding the likely timescale for the funds to be transferred to the parish council.

Councillor Cramoysan thanked Mr Lincoln for the update.

Viv Hill (CALA) provided an update on phase 2B advising that it was hoped to submit the planning application to WCC within the next month.

Mr Hill responded to questions from Forum Members on the following:

• The provision of some type of community buildings to support the new football fields and more informal “kick-about” spaces.  He clarified that CALA would not be responsible for the long term management of any of these buildings. Steve Lincoln confirmed that WCC would discuss proposals further with CALA.

• The likely process and discussions involved for agreeing the detailed design of the neighbourhood centre.  Mr Hill offered to circulate a summary of the current proposals, similar to that which had been displayed in last year’s public exhibition.
• Parking provision for new dwellings.

Councillor Cramoysan thanked Mr Hill for the update.

RESOLVED:

          That Councillor Batho be appointed vice chairperson of the Forum for the 2023/24 municipal year.