29 November 2002: THE Chronicle continues its in-depth look at the planned development of the Barton Farm site, Winchester, with the building of up to 2,000 homes. Here Gavin Blackman of the Save Barton Farm Group gives his views. All the Chronicle's articles on Barton Farm can be found at www.thisishampshire.net/winchester

When people ask me why Barton Farm is important to Winchester, I refer them to an article in the Sunday Telegraph's "Sunday Walk" series that opened:

"Winchester is a rarity among the cities of southern England. Set among the water meadows of the River Itchen, it has countryside lapping right up to its ancient core, without any ugly collar of urban sprawl in between"

The article concluded:

"Winchester's modern history seems to be a battle against invading developers. How sad if Winchester should lose the very thing that makes it so special - if it is allowed to become just another southern city ringed about with urban sprawl."

Our supporters - and there are 6,000 plus - are united in their incredulity that the concept of a Major Development Area (MDA) could be contemplated at Barton Farm.

Not only is the MDA a product of political mis-management, numerous independent publications cogently argue that any such development would be anathema to Winchester, examples include:

n "Winchester is characterised by long wedges and fingers of countryside running into the City. These create the green setting for which the City is famous"(1997 Local Government Inspector's Report)

n "The combined weight of the City's visible history, whether of townscape or landscape, is what gives Winchester its exceptional character." ("Winchester and its Setting" - WCC Report)

We are not just talking about 2,000 plus houses - the MDA will include: industrial and commercial development, roads, roundabouts - the list is endless. Think also about Winchester's current traffic jams - imagine how much worse these will be with the additional cars from over 2,000 new households.

How can this all be absorbed by Winchester where for example, the local ambulance service is unable to meets its response targets due to traffic congestion. The effect on Winchester will be devastating and we need to decide now whether we want an ever-expanding soulless Winchester or whether we want to protect and nurture this national treasure.

Yes, we have a responsibility to provide housing for our youngsters but we have a greater responsibility to protect their environmental inheritance from profiteering developers. Barton Farm serves the whole of Winchester as an area of pure countryside where young and old alike can benefit from its beauty and serenity. No manufactured country park or token green spaces could compensate for the loss of a working farm and its amenity value - once it's gone, it's gone forever.

Remember the conclusion of the Winchester and Its Setting Report:

"The study emphasises the interrelationship between the historic City and its sublime setting. Damage to one part will echo throughout the entire structure to the detriment of the whole."

Surely the unique essence of Winchester is its sublime setting. Imagine if there were plans to develop any of the Great Parks in London or Southampton Common. Although these could be considered prime sites for development being close to transport, jobs, hospitals and schools they too are vital parts of London and Southampton, in exactly the same way as Barton Farm is vital to Winchester.

We believe that the City of Winchester should be protected with "World Heritage" status, or a permanent "Greenbelt" so that Winchester is protected forever. If Barton Farm is developed the whole green wedge will follow and Winchester will become "...just another southern city ringed about by urban sprawl."

The Public Inquiry to decide Winchester's fate starts in 12-18 months time. Please help us to save Winchester by registering your support with us.

n Save Barton Farm Group, 13 Trussell Close, Weeke, Winchester, SO22 6DZ. Website: www.savebartonfarm.org