COUNCIL chiefs generally welcomed a multi-million pound masterplan for the University of Winchester up to the year 2017.

However they stressed that its expansion should not harm residents living nearby.

The university aims to build a teaching block and a performing arts centre on its main Sparkford Road campus.

It hopes to open a business school on the West Downs site at Romsey Road and wants a city centre coffee bar and a leading role in the emerging English Project at Silver Hill.

Plans for a £15m halls of residence for 400 students have already been approved.

Council leader, Cllr George Beckett, said: “We believe that the university has a significant role to play in the economic development of the town and district.”