BOSSES at a Hampshire sixth-form have assured residents they are not backtracking on plans for a new arts complex.

Residents successfully campaigned for a new location for the facility at Peter Symonds College in Winchester.

Their worries recently resurfaced amid confusion over whether the original, controversial site near Hatherley Road had been put back on the table.

But principal Stephen Carville has confirmed that the building will be built on campus and further away from residents.

The original choice of Hatherley Road prompted protest from neighbours including a demonstration attended by more than 100 people last year.

In an email, Mr Carville said Winchester City Council’s planning department are appraising the former application for a land swap. This would enable the college to build within the campus near the Falkland Lodge.

Last week, the college met city councillor Liz Hutchison, who informed residents of the update.

But she says her feedback was "completely misrepresented" to suggest the contentious Hatherley Road plan was back on the tbale.

Cllr Hutchison said: “Unfortunately the note I have received about an informal conversation I had with a few residents about the proposed new arts block at Peter Symonds College completely misrepresented what I said.”

Peter Symonds says it needs to expand to cope with the rising number of students attending from across the region.