Agenda item

(KBF20)

Archaeology Update

Paul McCulloch from Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited on behalf of Cala Homes gave a presentation to the Forum regarding the archaeology of the site. Mr. McCulloch provided details of several significant finds on the site. Some of these included; red antler remains dated to around 2800 BC, Roman remains from around 4^th Century AD and Saxon buildings from the 7^th to 9^th Century. Mr. McCulloch made special mention of the 20 or so pit burials that had been located and the two 18^th Century militia camps.

The Chairman thanked Mr. McCulloch for his presentation and hoped that some photographic material used in his presentation would be utilised within the new school development.

Response to Public Participation

The Chairman invited Mr. Tilbury and Mr. Hughes to respond to the questions and points made under item 3.

Mr. Tilbury began by responding to the points raised by members of the public and Councillor Porter. He thanked the speakers for their comments and acknowledged that there was a lot of detail within the questions that may be better dealt with outside the meeting.

In summary, Mr. Tilbury observed that many of the points raised were in relation to Highways issues which was the responsibility of Hampshire County Council (HCC). Mr. Tilbury advised that all the Highways issues discussed this evening would be passed to HCC and officers will report back, providing details of who the question had been referred to. Secondly, Mr. Tilbury explained to the Forum that the existing approved planning permission determines to a large extent what was to be delivered within the development.    

In relation to local representation, the formation of the residents association was very much welcomed but there were no current plans to alter the remit of this Forum. In relation to a wider governance review, it was stated that Winchester City Council could initiate this or it can be triggered through the local petition process. In relation to Polling stations, Mr. Tilbury advised that these are regularly under review and the City Council was open to review any proposals that may come forward.

In responding to the question regarding wider development areas, Mr. Tilbury reported that Winchester City Council are in the early stages of reviewing its local plan which will include the future numbers of houses and their locations. This work will develop over the next 12 to 18 months.

Mr. Hughes reiterated that he was in regular contact with colleagues at HCC and he will ensure all points raised this evening regarding cycle paths; lighting, pedestrian access etc will all be fed to them. In relation to Councillor Porter's question regarding a temporary community building, he would discuss this further with the developer.

Members then considered a detailed report (ref KBF20) that provided the Forum with an update regarding the latest elements of implementation.

Mr. Hughes drew members attention to paragraphs 10.13 through to 10.20 regarding the formation of the residents association and the ongoing discussions regarding a governance review. Further to the question regarding access through Henry Beaufort School, Mr. Hughes advised of initial internal discussions and hoped to provide a more detailed update at the next meeting. In reference to the question regarding the Headbourne Worthy Link, the requirement was for the developer to provide a link by 2020. Finally, Mr. Hughes informed that he will discuss the issue of dog waste bins with relevant residents and council officers.

The Chairman invited further comments from members of the public. In response to these points, Mr. Tilbury stated that officers could consider whether the Residents Association may be a member of the Forum without voting rights. Mr. Hughes in response to a question regarding the Andover road footpath and issues connected with the priority of access advised that he would look into this urgently. He also reported that he would consider how best to keep the users of the footpath informed of future developments.

Cala Homes Update

Mr. Westwood of Cala Homes gave a presentation to the Forum on the progress of the development and a look ahead to key future milestones.

He informed that:

• 1b is due to be completed during summer 2019.
• 1a is due to be completed early with first occupations in summer 2019.
• The pedestrian link was due December 2019
• That the social housing contracts are now signed.

In relation to the proposals for Phase 2a, he advised that the key features would be:

• 300 homes
• 40% affordable
• NEAP play are
• Further, build of Winchester Avenue
• Access to public footpaths and Barton Farm Academy.

Finally, Mr. Westwood advised Forum members of a communication event taking place at the Sales Centre on the 20^th November 2018 between 3 pm and 8 pm in relation to the proposals for phase 2A.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Westwood for his presentation and invited him to make any comments regarding the issues raised by residents regarding the availability of parking spaces. Mr. Westwood explained that all roads are built to the relevant standards and in accordance with the planning permission. Following further questions, Mr. Tilbury thanked the public for their comments; particularly the description of how the roads are being utilized by residents.. This will be fedback to the relevant officers at the County Council.

Following a further point from a member of the public, the Forum discussed the local bus service. Mr. Hughes recalled that as part of the s106 agreement, Cala Homes were providing a sum of money to support a local bus service; however, this would need to become a commercial, self-financing service in time. Regarding questions concerning the optimal route, Mr. Hughes advised that he would welcome input from local members.  

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.