Local MP Steve Brine passionately addressed a packed Guildhall on Friday 11th February as the Barton Farm/Cala Homes inquiry continued in force.
Following representations made on Tuesday by Save Barton Farm Group chairman Gavin Blackman, Steve made the Localism case in a ten-minute slot just before 10am.
There then followed a cross-examination from Cala Homes’ QC, who is putting the case for the developers to the Government planning inspector, Christina Downes, who is chairing the inquiry.
The inquiry is being held after Winchester City Council twice rejected Cala’s plans to build homes at Barton Farm.
Speaking on the steps of the historic Guildhall, where he addresses a mass protest against the development nearly two years ago, Steve said: “I relished the opportunity to make the case for localism and speak out once again in opposition to 2,000 houses on the Barton Farm site. I appreciate for Cala Homes it would be very nice and convenient for this enquiry to end their waiting game and just give them permission but I am afraid Winchester is not going to roll over and accept that.
“The cross examination with Cala’s QC was certainly lively knockabout and I am sure the packed Guildhall audience were able to judge the line of questioning for themselves which showed once again how desperate Cala are to build on our precious greenfield site against the wishes of local people from across the constituency, young and old.
“Coming as this enquiry does, off the back of the latest court judgements from London, I await the Inspector’s decision with great interest along with the thousands of people I represent.”
Pictured; The Bapsy Room, in the Guildhall, was packed as Steve crossed swords with Cala Homes’ QC
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You can read Steve’s speech in full from his ten-minute slot by clicking here (opens as a PDF).
A short film showing footage of Steve’s part in the inquiry is also available on Steve’s Youtube channel.