LAND around Winchester Railway Station could be a step closer to being developed.

Corporate director Steve Tilbury told the town forum the cabinet would receive a presentation from David Ashe of CH Design Partnership on developing Station Approach.

Although the presentations will be at a private meeting town forum chairman Cllr Brian Collin said he would consult with council leader Keith Wood over possible changes.

Mr Tilbury said: “Work is being taken forward. I cannot speak for the administration as to what priority we will give to it but arrangements are being made for it to happen.”

But he added work could be affected by changes to the council's local plan that will be debated later this year at a public inquiry.

He said: “There are some significant issues that, if we were to make something happen, we would need to make sure they are covered in our local plan.”

It follows a presentation from Paul Bulkeley of Snug Projects at town forum last November where he told councillors the land from the station to the Cattle Market was underused and ripe for re-development.

Councillors supported the principle of the plan and said the area needed to be made more attractive to tourists, including more trees and foliage and better signposts for attractions around the city.

“This will be looked upon as something exciting and something special. It is a step in the right direction by giving Winchester a beautiful entrance into the Westgate.”

Cllr Chris Pines added: “After Silver Hill this is going to be potentially the most significant thing we are doing in Winchester for years.”