As Winchester City Council’s local plan consultation draws to a close a traffic planning report by Milestone consultants throws a light on the significant traffic impact of the large scale Royaldown proposal.

Hampshire County Councillor and Hursley resident Jan Warwick said “We know our local traffic network is stretched to the limit in normal times, so it was important for us to understand the traffic impact from another 5,000 houses, 2,000 space Park and Ride, two schools, shops and commercial sites. The report estimates the site will generate 25,000 additional car journeys everyday piling onto Badger Farm Road, Poles Lane and the M3 junctions”.

Chairman of Hursley Parish Council David Killeen said “It is clear from this comprehensive traffic report that Royaldown will not be the utopian sustainable transport development the developers’ vision document suggests. Residents will commute to and from the site each day and the location does not offer easy connectivity to either Winchester or Shawford stations.”

The site does not offer foot and cycle connectivity to key amenities or stations within an acceptable distance or within 15-minutes as targeted by Winchester City Council.

Similarly, the latest threat of 1,000 houses at the nearby South Winchester Golf Club will generate another 5,000 vehicle movements every day.

Another area of concern is the potential outcome of Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH) discussions regarding housing allocations, which are not made public.   The most recent housing numbers for Southampton were hugely increased by 35% in December 2020, and along with other urban authorities, they may find regeneration sites challenging to deliver.

Oliver’s Battery resident David Kirkby said “Winchester City Council have a duty to cooperate with neighbouring authorities and it is anticipated that these other members of PfSH may say they can’t provide the numbers required and expect the Winchester District to take additional housing numbers. 

Winchester City Council have agreed to take additional numbers in the past. If they do so again it would fundamentally change the strategic options for housing growth across the district and put huge pressure on local green field sites.”

Residents are urged to respond to the Winchester City Council public consultation on the refresh of the local plan called “Your Place, Your Plan”. This closes on 12th April 2021.

The Save South Winchester Campaign Group: Traffic Impact Report and detailed Guidance on completing the Local Plan Consultation is available here: www.sswcg.co.uk

You can respond to the survey here: Winchester City Council Your Place Your Plan https://www.localplan.winchester.gov.uk/

The Save South Winchester Campaign Group