WINCHFIELD Parish Council has submitted its objections to proposals for house building in the area.

The council cited four lines of argument – insufficient evidence to justify the need for a new settlement, a new settlement approach is not viable, more focus should be given to alternatives, and Winchfield just isn’t a suitable location for a new settlement.

Professional planners John Boyd Planning Associates helped formulate the response. The consultation period for Hart District Council’s local plan closed on March 18. Winchfield councillors say Hart still has not dealt with the recommendations of Peter Village QC last May. He produced what was dubbed a ‘devastating legal opinion’ on the local plan.

Hart came in for further criticism for ignoring a study by Stonegate Homes. It pointed to alternative opportunities created by changes to development rights.

But Winchfield’s response did welcome Hart’s focus on brownfield development.