THE first meeting of the Barton Farm Forum was being held this evening.

The new body has been set up by the city council following the granting of outline planning permission for 2,000 houses on the farmland.

It will oversee the progress of the scheme and give the opportunity for councillors and the public to have a say as Cala Homes works up the details of the scheme.

As well as city councillors members will include county councillors and representatives from Headbourne Worthy Parish Council.

Last week more than 100 people had signed a letter calling for the scheme to be revamped. But Cala have said that the position of Andover Road, rerouted through the site, was not up for discussion.

Other issues already decided include the position of the homes, key buildings, local centre, school site, the heat and power plant and green spaces including allotments.

Discussions about the design will start imminently between Cala, the council and local groups such as the City of Winchester Trust.

Work on the designs and the first phase is due to be completed by the end of 2013. Building work is due to start in early 2014 with the first homes completed late in 2014.

A council report said the scheme is due to take 10-15 years to complete.