Have your say on where new homes should go

The document sets out where new development can be built in the next five years.

The first version was completed in 2004 and went before a public inquiry that lasted several months.

One of the inspector's recommendations was that the city council should identify reserve sites for housing in the event of current targets for building homes not being met.

He named Pitt Manor, Winchester; Spring Gardens, Alresford; Little Frenchies Field, Denmead, and land between Francis Gardens and Worthy Road, Winchester as his own choices.

The identification of the sites caused lengthy debate in the council chamber, with the ruling Lib-Dems clashing with Conservative and Labour members.

The opposition parties said naming the sites would put them at risk of being developed.

The Lib-Dems disagreed, arguing that the best way to protect the four areas was to publish them in the Local Plan.

In doing so, the council could put strict conditions in place so that the sites would only be developed if housing targets were not met, they explained.

With the support of the Independent members on the council, the Lib-Dems won the vote and their approach was adopted.

The revised Local Plan, which includes the changes resulting from the debate and the inspector's report, has since been published. It was released for public consultation last week and residents have until Thursday, March 9, to comment.

Labour group leader, Patrick Davies, said it was vital that people made their views known, especially if they wanted the reserve sites removed from the plan.

He added that if residents delayed making objections until developers were poised to move in, then it might be too late.

The doument may be viewed at www.winchester. gov.uk or at public libraries in the district. Copies may also be examined and purchased at the council's planning department at Avalon House in Chesil Street, Winchester.

The authority aims to officially adopt the plan later this year, following the consultation.