Barton Farm backdown (From Daily Echo)

New twist in Barton Farm planning scheme

1:26pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News Exclusive By Andrew Napier, Winchester Chief Reporter

An earlier protest in Winchester over plans for home at Barton Farm.

A CONTROVERSIAL battle to build thousands of new homes in the Hampshire countryside has taken a dramatic new twist.

Just months ago Government minister Eric Pickles declared that the scheme on the edge of Winchester should be decided by local planners.

But the Communities Secretary has admitted he got it wrong and will have to decide on the scheme himself.

Now, according to the developer, that makes it more likely the contentious Barton Farm scheme, that has divided the city for more than ten years will go ahead.

Last September the scheme was referred to Mr Pickles who gave the decision back to the council as part of his “localism” agenda.

But developer, Cala Homes, challenged that and the case was due in the High Court today.

However the Daily Echo has learned that the Secretary of State has admitted he may have made a mistake and that the decison actually should rest with him.

Cala Homes says that makes it more likely the development will go ahead.

Mike Emett, land director, said last night: “He has accepted our argument that he got it wrong.”

He added: “With the council allocating Barton Farm for housing in its local plan in December, we hope Mr Pickles will proceed quickly and grant planning permission.”

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “Rather than spending public money on ongoing legal challenges, this planning appeal will simply be returned to the department for decision and will be decided in the light of all relevant information.”

Gavin Blackman, chairman of the campaigning Save Barton Farm Group, said he would press on with challenging the figures that the city council is relying on for its local plan.

Winchester City Council was last night unavailable for comment.