Agenda item

Report Reference: NWDF14

The forum was addressed by the following speakers:

• Jeff Davis, Tetra Tech
• Hilary Oliver, Implementation Officer, Winchester City Council

Mr Davis provided the forum with a detailed update and presentation concerning a range of issues, the slides of which were available on the council's website. Items discussed included on-site highways works, progress at Cornerstone School, the recent opening of Bluebell Way, Botley Road - Northern Access Junction, Whiteley Way North, and Central & Curbridge Way. Following the presentation, Mr Davis shared the latest drone footage of the development which had been recorded in January 2021.

Members asked several questions and made comments regarding;

• the planned opening date for Whiteley Way
• the regular congestion around the Pinkmead junction into Botley and the opening of the Botley By-pass.
• the use of environmental measures on the development such as solar panels
• the cycleway to Botley railway station
• the resurfacing works on the old part of Bluebell Way

These points were responded to by Mr Davis and officers accordingly. Regarding the planned opening date for Whiteley Way, Mr Davis advised that this was targeted for the end of 2021. Mr Alborough of Hampshire County Council confirmed that he would provide a detailed written response to the questions concerning the opening of the Botley by-pass. Finally, Mr Davis informed that he would consider and discuss the points regarding the environmental matters raised.

The Forum received and noted the report of the Implementation Officer which provided an update on progress with issues relating to the North Whiteley Major Development Area (MDA). The key issues reported were that permission had been granted for 1,259 units and applications had been received for 390 new units. The forum was advised of the breakdown of occupations in the separate areas of the development and that work on allotments two and three would be starting Spring 2021. Finally, officers advised that the traffic regulation order on Bluebell Way was now in place and yellow lines had been painted but that further work was needed to complete.

Members asked several questions and made comments regarding;

• the actual percentage of affordable units versus the target
• the difference in the numbers of completions, sales and occupations
• the flexibility of bus services.

Officers responded to the points raised and agreed to provide a detailed response regarding completions, sales and occupations. Regarding the issues raised regarding bus services, an update was provided to the forum but it was agreed to invite the Travel Co-ordinator officer to the next meeting to discuss further.