Protests over Barton Farm as Winchester chiefs say there's no alternative

Barton Farm is in line to become a massive housing estate under a blueprint which will shape the city over the next 20 years.

Council leader George Beckett, pictured, said he realised the decision would not be popular but said the council’s hands were tied by the Government’s insistence that Winchester district absorb 12,000 homes over 20 years.

He said: “I am coming to the conclusion, with a heavy heart, that out of the limited options available, Barton Farm is the least damaging to Winchester and its environment.”

The council will vote on the issue at its meeting on April 22.

Campaigner Gavin Blackman, chairman of the Save Barton Farm Group, said: “Councillors say this is the least worst option, but Winchester deserves the best not the least worst.”

A protest march has been provisionally booked for the city centre on March 14.

In a shock move, the council is also recommending that a new knowledge/ science park could be built on the brownfield part of Bushfield Camp, to the south of the city.

Countryside campaigner Keith Story said: “Frankly I’m horrified that anyone would even consider building on Bushfield Camp, part of the green landscape setting of Winchester.

“The best future for Winchester would be to restore the camp fully to downland and remove the parade ground and associated structures.”

The decision to earmark Barton Farm as a site for major development is set to spark division within the Conservative ranks on the Tory-controlled council.

Councillor Richard Worrall said last night that he would vote against the earmarking of Barton Farm.

He urged Winchester residents to make their feelings clear.

He said: “I support the Save Barton Farm campaign. The vast majority of people in Winchester are opposed to developing it. I support their campaign and it must now step up a phase.”