Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester

The approach to the concept masterplan needed to assess what is the correct approach to density, the effects of different densities on the ability to meet the development principles so to arrive at an appropriate approach; and the extent to which the housing need expressed by the policy requirement can be met through development of the existing built up areas, before consideration of the northern training areas.

The team first looked at the unconstrained land and where development could be directed. This led to three developable areas being identified – shown below as land parcels A, B and C – which represents around 40% of the whole site. The approach was agreed through discussions with Winchester City Council Planning Officers, and an independent design review panel.

Taking into account areas for sports and recreation, secondary green infrastructure, settlement gaps to Littleton & Harestock and primary road infrastructure, the potential development parcels have been further refined as outlined below.

This approach has also taken into account the formal sports space provision and open space that meets the policy requirements. The formal sports space has been located within the proposed settlement gap with Littleton (where existing military sports and training pitches are located).

To maximise the potential capacity of the central area of the main barracks, the team were challenged to explore in detail the different density options and to consider what is the appropriate level of density that should be applied to this area, and therefore the number of homes that could be accommodated within the central and southern areas of the site (land parcel ‘A’).

Only then did the team explore the extent to which development is required within the northern training areas (land parcels ‘B’ & ‘C’) to support housing delivery, the draft local policy requirements and to support the wider vision. A balanced approach was arrived at.

The emerging Local Plan Policy requires between 750 – 1000 homes.

The emerging density shown below represents a balanced density approach, which will deliver:

• Circa 850 new homes across the site, of which 20% will be apartments.
• An average density of 45 dwellings per hectare.
• A balanced mix of house types and sizes
• Flexibility within the density plan to deliver the four key development principles in the final scheme.
• Significant opportunity for nature park and biodiversity within the northern areas and on the site of existing surface car park areas.

There was strong consultation feedback from sports groups that Winchester was lacking a sub-regional sports hub and that Sir John Moore Barracks offered an opportunity to meet this need, through formal sports pitch provision over and above policy requirement, in addition to the proposed retention of the military sports training complex. For more information about the retention and re-use of the military training sports complex, please visit the “Other considerations” section of this page.

As the density approach has shown, efforts to accommodate formal sports pitch provision in excess of that required in policy terms – would displace residential development the local plan requires, elsewhere within the site. Given the topology of the site, this would have meant a higher density and a greater extent of development in the northern training areas, to accommodate additional sports fields in central and southern areas (parcel ‘A’), and a greater traffic impact.

The emerging sports provision and open space shown below represents a balanced approach, which:

• Meets the policy requirements of the City Council.
• Retains the potential repurposing of the sports complex as a sports and leisure facility as an option for further consideration.
• Provides part of a green buffer to Littleton.
• Meets the vision for Sir John Moore Barracks (please visit the “Key development principles” for more information).
• Ensures that overdevelopment of the site, the northern training areas in particular, is avoided.

During the stages 1 and 2 consultations, there was a strong desire from residents to ensure that there would be public access to the future green infrastructure – such as the proposed woodland, the nature park and other green space – and to ensure that appropriate future funding and management arrangements were in place in order to maintain this effectively.

It was recognised through the consultation that there was a significant opportunity to enhance the existing woodland and SINC areas.

• Existing woodland areas – these have helped to shape the concept masterplan, with development being situated outside of these areas. Of the 28 hectares of woodland present on site, around 26ha (over 90%) will be retained, incorporated into the masterplan and improved, where applicable. Existing trees will be retained as much as possible.
• Nature park – the concept masterplan also includes the provision of a 6.7ha (17 acres) nature park to the northwest of the site, providing a buffer with Littleton and protecting existing sensitive sight lines.
• Open space – the nature park sits within a broader context of green open space totalling 51 hectares (126 acres). This equates to over 60% of the entire site.

To do this, this would require investment as part of the development and a funding model would be needed to ensure that it is maintained in perpetuity.

• A balance was required to ensure that the burden of maintenance that would fall on the development was sufficiently supported – a small development would be burdened by disproportionate provision and service charge costs.
• There was a strong desire expressed for community involvement in the future stewardship.

To ensure both the nature park and wider green spaces across the site can be enjoyed by local residents for decades to come while capitalising on the opportunity to further enhance ecological value, a long-term stewardship vehicle will be established and secured through future Section 106 legal agreements at the time that planning applications are progressed with the City Council.

The DIO has significant experience of putting in place long term stewardship arrangements that create opportunities for community involvement and greater social value as well as bio-diversity benefits in the long term.

The balance struck in the masterplan will ensure that the burden of the maintenance obligations that the occupiers of the end development will have to contribute to is balanced with benefit that this significant new green infrastructure, biodiversity and nature opportunities will bring.

In addition to the emerging sports provision and open space already outlined, feedback received through Stages 1 and 2 suggested a desire to see the existing military sports complex on site retained and repurposed as a sports and leisure facility.

We are continuing to explore this option through further viability assessments to bring forward a re-purposing of the existing military sports complex from a market and sustainability perspective, with a view to taking this forward as part of a separate planning application. DIO have engaged sports consultant and architects to take forward proposals to a establish a viable business model.

Our work on the future of the sports complex reflects the provisions of parts iv) and xiii) of emerging policy W2.

Below indicates the land parcel we have associated to the Sports Complex, that is being master planned separately within our continuing work to bring forward the sports complex as the health and wellbeing focus for the new development.

The Winchester Movement Strategy is a joint initiative from Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council aimed to reduce city centre traffic, support healthier lifestyle choices, and invest in infrastructure to support sustainable growth.

The emerging policy within the City Council’s Local Plan requires the inclusion of proposals for a Park & Ride scheme to be located on site, with capacity for up to 850 vehicles, as part of draft allocation.

Having concluded an options study, the initial concept masterplan addresses this requirement, by identifying space for the Park & Ride on land adjacent to the main access off Andover Road. A Park and Ride in this location will allow both visitors and local residents to benefit from frequent public transport services into the city centre and beyond.

We continue to work with Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council to progress integration of this new infrastructure into the emerging masterplan.