Little detail is known about what would be planned for the site, which measures 14.1 hectares, although the concept masterplan reportedly shows how the site could accommodate approximately 500 new homes, a proportion of which would be classed as affordable housing.
The site sits within the parish of Hursley and development on it is not supported by Hursley Parish Council, and the clerk to the council recently called the proposals 'preposterous'. In addition, the proposals have been heavily criticised by the Pitt Village Residents' Association, led by Nick Molden, who called the plans 'speculative and vexatious' in a letter to Linden Homes dated 22 July 2014.
Winchester MP Steve Brine has spoken out strongly against the proposed development saying 'enough is enough'. He added; "We are not anti-development in Winchester, in fact we are certainly doing our bit to address the housing shortage in this country but this is just too much for Winchester.
"The bottom line is this; Winchester has a signed off Local Plan and is getting on with implementing it exactly as Government wishes us to do. This site is outside the local plan architecture so this is a cheeky, speculative punt by Linden Homes that is totally unwelcome.
"The City Council should have no truck with it whatsoever, my constituents - already faced with Barton Farm and Pitt Manor as they are - definitely have no truck with it and their MP is furious. Linden Homes should walk away now because enough is enough!"
More information ...
Look at Steve's dedicated web-page on this issue, with more detail and links, here.