A FIRM of developers which is competing to transform the area between Friarsgate and The Broadway in Winchester is going public with its plans.

London and Henley will invite residents to view their proposals to rejuvenate the area later this month.

The company also submitted a planning application to Winchester City Council earlier this week.

The authority is in exclusive talks with Thornfield Properties to deliver the scheme, known as the Silver Hill Renaissance.

However, London and Henley wants to join in and has launched a rival project for part of the site, called Middle Brook.

It intends to build 13 shops and 133 homes, of which 40 per cent would be "affordable", and to provide 162 underground parking spaces.

While the firm is only applying to build part of the scheme, it says it is willing to tackle the whole project.

London and Henley MD, Nigel Wright, added that, because it owned some of the land needed, it was better placed to deliver the scheme.

He also warned that the project could lose momentum should the council try to acquire the firm's land, using compulsory purchase powers.

"Winchester City Council could well sterilise this site for many years to come, rather than bring forward the revitalisation of a part of the city which is long overdue," he added.

London and Henley now plans to distribute 30,000 leaflets, inviting residents to examine their proposals, which will be displayed in the Brooks Centre on Saturday, April 22, Monday, April 24, and Tuesday, April 25.