We Asked, You Said, We Did

For nominations for the Mayor of Winchester’s Community Award.

Between 15 January and 16 February 2025, we received more than 60 nominations (both for individuals and groups) for the Mayor of Winchester’s Community Award.

All nominations were considered carefully, and more than 71 award-winners attended to receive their certificates and pin badges from the Mayor at a special event in the Guildhall on 13 March. Photos were taken with the Mayor and award-winners, which were available to take away at the end of the evening as a souvenir.

For your thoughts and opinions about culture and creativity in Winchester district

We received 550 responses to our survey asking for your thoughts and opinions about culture and creativity in Winchester district. Some of the key findings were: 

1.    88% of respondents thought creative and cultural activities help make the Winchester district a better place in which to live, work, visit and play.
2.    92% of respondents thought we should support and encourage the creative industries.
3.    87% of respondents thought we should use creative and cultural activity to bring people together.
4.    87% of respondents thought cultural and creative activities are good for young people
5.    77% of respondents said cultural and creative activities help them feel part of the community.
6.    87% of respondents thought cultural and creative activities contribute to Winchester district residents’ wellbeing.
7.    In free text answers the environment and green spaces were highlighted as important to many residents. 

These responses helped shape the priorities and themes of the new Winchester District Cultural Strategy.

Priorities include: Placemaking (1) Creative Industries (2) and Events and Festivals (3) and Young People (4)

Themes include: Inclusion (5), Health & Wellbeing (6), Environmental Responsibility (7)

You can access the strategy here: Winchester District Cultural Strategy - Winchester City Council

Residents, businesses, local stakeholders and community groups were asked to give their feedback on the draft Concept Masterplan proposals. 

During the six week consultation period, there were 2,228 unique visits to the Station Approach website: https://winchesterstationapproach.co.uk/

The consultation received 226 separate online survey responses, along with five further representations via email. 

The consultation revealed proposals which were well supported and generated a strong consensus, whilst others prompted some diverse and opposing opinions from respondents. The consultation reinforced the known need for thoughtful, well-planned development that respects Winchester’s historic character, whilst meeting the needs of residents, businesses, commuters and visitors.

Out of the 56 proposals introduced in the Station Approach Concept Masterplan, 46 proposals were supported by over 50% of respondents.

We were grateful for everyone who took the time to provide their feedback on the draft proposals. 

We are now working with local architects ‘Design Engine’, to consider the consultation responses and refine the Concept Masterplan accordingly. The final Concept Masterplan is expected to be published and considered at a Cabinet meeting in summer 2025.

Your views on a Regulation 19 Proposed Submission Local Plan

In total, the Council received 473 representations from statutory and general consultees, in addition to individuals, businesses and organisations across the Winchester District

The council’s Natural Environment and Recreation Team asked for your input on scoring the three play area designs and for any comments you may have on each.

We received 37 responses and comments.

We have selected a contractor based on the results of the consultation and the procurement scoring that we follow and are happy to announce that Hags will be refurbishing the play area, planned to start in November.

For comments on proposals "To amend the Council lettings policy in respect of Sheltered Accommodation"

1,064 Winchester Hampshire Home Choice applicants were sent the questionnaire regarding reducing the minimum age requirement from 60 to 55, with 162 of those applicants responding.

78% of respondants strongly agreed or agreed with the proposal.

In addition to this, two focus groups were held in different sheltered housing schemes, with representation of people from 4 different schemes. 

91% of these focus groups strongly agreed or agreed with the proposal.

Amended WCC’s allocation policy - approved at Cabinet in November 2024: 

"To amend the Council’ lettings policy in respect of Sheltered Accommodation- to allow 55-59yr olds to bid on WCC’s sheltered accommodation."

The Estate Improvements Team put forward a scheme to provide the residents of King Alfred Place with better opportunities to enjoy the communal outdoor spaces, improved drying facilities and secure cycle storage.

The proposal included creating more useable space by moving back a retaining wall, providing seating, planters, water butts, washing lines and secure cycle storage, as well as, replacing damaged fencing and extending the block paving.

We specifically asked residents if they wished to

• Grow their own plants, fruit and vegetables
• Dry their washing outside
• Keep a bicycle

We received seven responses as follows:

• 85.7% of respondents are interested in growing their own plants, fruits, and vegetables
• Some respondents wanted to dry their laundry outside and were keen for the washing line to be located in a central position to take advantage of the sun
• 57.1% said that they would make use of secure bicycle storage despite only 28.6% currently owning a bike
• There were several requests for secure garden storage and for repairs to be made to the fencing

We have amended the plan in response to residents’ feedback and requirements and are now working towards delivering the improvements.

The Mayor of Winchester’s Community Award recognises and celebrates the organisations and individuals who have given outstanding service to the people of Winchester District.  The Mayor invited nominations that reflect the full range of community support from all corners of the Winchester District.

Between 3 January and 18 February 2024, we received 125 nominations for the Mayor of Winchester’s Community Award.

All nominations were considered carefully, and more than 100 award-winners were invited to receive their certificates and pin badges from the Mayor at a special event in the Guildhall on 7 March. Photos were taken with the Mayor and award-winners, which were available to take away at the end of the evening as a souvenir.

Community contributions recognised at annual Mayor’s Awards - Winchester City Council

The new homes team asked for your views on the proposed scheme which will provide five new homes at Winecross Cottages, North Boarhunt.

Five responses were received.

The comments about what respondents liked about the proposal included:

• The design looks thoughtful and pleasant to live in.
• Considered Ecological design, in keeping with local site
• Affordable housing - addressing an urgent need
• Keeping all trees and hedges 
• Energy efficient

The comments about what could be improved included:

• Building more flats
• Solar panels on the roof and triple glazing

A general comment was made about the properties being made available for local people on a low income who are waiting for housing.

We have collated the responses received and are working to further develop the plans aiming to design the scheme to a high energy efficient standard. Which may include features of high level thermal efficiency. This will be an affordable housing scheme for local people.

We asked for comments in relation to the proposed extension of the operational time of the existing pedestrian and cycle zone at the locations details below (currently operating at weekends from 10am Saturday to midnight Sunday) to include Monday to Friday 6pm to 10pm.

1. Great Minster Street from the boundary of no. 6 and no. 7 Great Minster Street to its junction with The Square.
2. The Square from its junction with Great Minster Street to a point 79 metres north-west of its junction with Market Street (including the hammerhead but not The Square Service Spur)

In order to facilitate this, the following provisions were also proposed to be extended to include Monday to Friday 6pm to 10pm: -

• Prohibition of Driving restriction at the northern end of Great Minster Street (from 6 Great Minster Street) and the western end of The Square (currently 10am on Saturday to midnight Sunday only).
• no waiting and no loading restrictions as follows:
  • At The Square, north from a point 60 metres north-west of its junction with Market Street to a point 70 metres north-west of the junction (currently Saturday 10am and midnight, Sunday at any time only).
  • At The Square, south from a point 37 metres east of its junction with Great Minster Street to a point 59 metres west of its junction with Market Street (currently Saturday and Sunday at any time only)
  • Goods vehicle loading only at The Square, north from a point 60 metres north-west of its junction with Market Street to a point 70 metres north-west of the junction (currently Saturday 6am to 10am only)
  • Loading only at The Square, south from a point 16 metres west of its junction with Market Street to a point 32 metres west of that junction (currently Saturday to Sunday 8am to 6pm only and pay and display parking available Monday to Friday 8am-6pm, max stay 1 hour no return within 2 hours)

A further minor amendment was also proposed to The Hampshire (Various Roads, Winchester) (Parking Places and Restriction of Waiting) (Controlled Zone) (Consolidation) Order 2010 as amended to rename “Schedule 3A” as inserted by Variation Number 52 to “Schedule 3AA”.

We received 1 response to the consultation.

The representation has been carefully considered and responded to directly. The traffic regulation orders were made on the 29^th March 2023 and come into operation on 30^th May 2023. A copy of the made orders and Notice of Making can be found at the bottom of this page.

A copy of the decision report can be found using the link below –

Decision - Traffic Regulation Order -The Square, Winchester Proposed evening extension to Weekend pedestrian and cycle zone 2023 - Winchester City Council

We asked for comments in relation to proposed amendments to parking restrictions in Bishops Waltham (set out below).

The effect of this order will be to introduce waiting restrictions in several locations in Bishops Waltham

1. in the roads surrounding the Infant and Junior Schools
2. changes to some of the parking restrictions on the High Street
3. introduce no waiting at any time restrictions at the junction of The Avenue and Winchester Road B2177.

1. Infant and Junior Schools will prohibit parking:

• at junctions on Oak Road, Oak Road Spur, Pine Road, Elm Road, Willow Road
• on the bend in Oak Road and on the southern section of Pine Road
• in Oak Road and Pine Road Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm
• formalise the no stopping restriction by the Infant School vehicle access Monday - Friday 8am – 5pm

2. High Street proposals will introduce:

• parking bays (a disabled bay, a 20 minute limited waiting bay, a goods vehicle loading bay) on the western side at the top (one way southwards section)
• a disabled bay in the existing 30 minute limited waiting bays, on the eastern side of the road, at the bottom (St Georges St end)
• a no loading at any time restriction from Bank Street to a point approximately 13 metres south of Cross Street, and into Cross Street to keep the junctions clear of obstruction.

3. The Avenue proposals will prohibit parking at the junction with Winchester Road.

We received 51 comments were received – 31 in support, 19 objections and 1 objection and support.

All representations have been carefully considered. The proposed restrictions were amended in light of comments received, as explained in the Decision Record. The Order was Made on the 8th February 2023 and comes in to operation on 27th February 2023. The Order can be viewed on our website -

https://www.winchester.gov.uk/roads-highways/traffic-regulation-orders

1. Do you have any comments on the Landscape Character Areas?
2. Have we missed anything? If so, please state section and page number.

Winchester City Council made an experimental traffic order to prohibit vehicles in The Broadway, between the bus station and Colebrook St,  and on Colebrook St between The Broadway and Market Lane, on Sundays between 6am – 7pm.  This was to enable the Market to be held there.

Experimental orders can be implemented for up to 18 months, and objections can be made in the first 6 months.  Subject to comments received schemes can be reviewed and amended, and made permanent if successful.

We received 3 comments – 2 supports and 1 objection.

All representations were carefully considered. On balance it was decided that overall the scheme was beneficial to the City and its residents. The Order to permanently implement the prohibition of driving restrictions will be made on 24/08/22.

After the 24/08/22, it can be viewed on our website -  

https://www.winchester.gov.uk/roads-highways/traffic-regulation-orders 

A copy of the decision report can be found using the link below -

https://democracy.winchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=966

Following initial consultation with residents, businesses and councillors, Winchester City Council made two Experimental Traffic Orders in Great Minster Street and The Square, Winchester on 28/07/21, and effective on 06/08/21.   One related to moving traffic restrictions and the other to parking restrictions. Experimental orders can be implemented for up to 18 months, and objections can be made in the first 6 months.  Subject to comments received schemes can be reviewed and amended, and made permanent if successful.

The effects of the experimental moving traffic order were to :

1. Suspend the existing Prohibition Of Driving (except for access) restriction on Great Minster Street, The Square and Market Street and replace it with Prohibition Of Driving (except for access to off-street premises) in Great Minster Street from its junction with Little Minster Street to the boundary of 6 and 7 Great Minster Street, where bollards have been installed.  This prohibits motor vehicle access to The Square via Great Minster Street.
2. Suspend the One-Way Traffic restriction on Great Minster Street to enable access and egress via Symonds Street/Little Minster Street to premises on the affected section of Great Minster Street.
3. Introduce a Pedestrian and Cycle Zone at weekends from Saturday 10am to Sunday midnight at the following locations.  An exemption is included for emergency services access and to allow for a hearse used in the course of a funeral when required with prior approval:
   1. Great Minster Street from the boundary of no. 6 and no. 7 Great Minster Street to its junction with The Square.
   2. The Square from its junction with Great Minster Street to a point 79 metres north-west of its junction with Market Street (including the hammerhead but not The Square Service Spur)

The effects of the experimental parking restrictions order were to:

1. Suspend a section of the No Loading At Any Time restriction on Symonds Street to provide an informal place for loading/unloading to properties affected by the movement restrictions on Great Minster Street.
2. Introduce a No Waiting At Any Time and No Loading At Any Time restriction on the east side of Great Minster Street to facilitate turning movements.
3. Suspend the loading bay in The Square hammerhead and introduce a No Waiting At Any Time and No Loading At Any Time restriction, to improve safety.  An exemption is included for emergency services access and to allow for a hearse used in the course of a funeral when required with prior approval.
4. Suspend the eastern section of the Goods Vehicle Only bay on the north side of The Square and replace with a No Waiting and No Loading Saturday 10am to Sunday Midnight, Goods Vehicle Loading Only Monday to Friday and Saturday 6am to 10am restriction. This is to facilitate turning movements during the operation of the Pedestrian and Cycle Zone.
5. Suspend the Pay and Display parking on the south side of The Square from the eastern extent westwards for a distance of approximately 15 metres and introduce Pay and Display Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Max stay 1 hour, No return within 2 hours, Loading Only Saturday and Sunday 8am to 6pm.
6. Suspend the Pay and Display parking on south side of The Square from the western extent eastwards for a distance of approximately 13 metres and introduce No Waiting and No Loading Saturday and Sunday, Pay and Display Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm Max Stay 1 hour no return 2 hours to facilitate turning movements.

We received 3 comments – 2 supports and 1 objection.

All representations have been carefully considered. It was considered that the overall impacts of the scheme are positive, and the Order to permanently implement the moving and parking restrictions will be made on 24/08/22.

After the 24/08/22, it can be viewed on our website -  

https://www.winchester.gov.uk/roads-highways/traffic-regulation-orders 

A copy of the decision report can be found using the link below -

https://democracy.winchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=967

Winchester City Council has to set its budget and agree the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) in February 2022, and we invited you to have your say. 

Despite the challenging circumstances the council has been able to consolidate our financial position for 2022/23 and set a balanced budget. The proposals being considered for the MTFS focus on keeping any increases to Council Tax and fees and charges below the current level of inflation, proposing to not increase the charge for garden waste collection and instead offer a £10 discount to those in receipt of financial support.

The consultation ran from the 1 December until 23 December 2021. We received 32 responses.

72% of respondents agreed with the overall approach to the budget. The results are outlined below:

The budget will be considered at the Full Council Meeting on 23 February 2022.

We asked for comments in relation to the proposed revocation of the provisions relating to Upper Brook Street Car Park (the surface pay and display car park to the east of Upper Brook Street and west of Middle Brook Street) and its removal from the Principal traffic regulation order (Winchester City (Off Street) Parking Places Order 2003 (as amended)). This is because the car park is due to close to allow for the construction of the new GP Surgery for St Clements Doctors Practice on site, as approved by planning application 15/02897/FUL.

We received 1 response to the consultation.

The representation has been carefully considered and responded to directly. The traffic regulation order was made on the 18^th January 2023 and comes into operation on 6^th March 2023. A copy of the made Order and Notice of Making can be found at the bottom of this page.

A copy of the Decision Record can be found using the link below –

https://democracy.winchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1053

We asked for comments in relation to the new car park being introduced off Barfield Close, Winchester, to be known as Barfield Park & Ride Phase 2.

We received 1 response to the consultation.

The representation has been carefully considered and responded to directly.  The Traffic Regulation Order was made on the 3rd February 2022 and comes into operation on 1st March 2022. A copy of the Made Order and the Notice of Making can be found at the bottom of this page.

A copy of the decision report can be found here.

We asked for comments in relation to coach parking being introduced at South Winchester Park & Ride.

We received 3 responses to the consultation.

The representations have been carefully considered and responded to directly.  The Traffic Regulation Order was Made on the 9^th September 2021 and comes into operation on 20^th September 2021.  A copy of the Made Order and the Notice of Making can be viewed on our website using the following link.

https://www.winchester.gov.uk/public-notices-library

A copy of the decision report can be found using the link below

https://democracy.winchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=860

We asked for comments in relation to a new draft Village Design Statement (VDS) for Colden Common, between 10th May and 20th June 2021

13 responses were received which can be viewed from this link:

Published responses for Colden Common Village Design Statement - Winchester City Council - Citizen Space

The comments have been carefully considered and the draft VDS has been amended to take account of the issues arising from the public consultation.

The revised VDS will now be considered for adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document by Winchester City Council at the Cabinet Member Built Environment Decision Day meeting on 7^th February 2022.

The proposed revised VDS, together with the Report recommending adoption and analysis of the representations received, can be viewed via the link below:

Agenda for Cabinet Member for Built Environment Decision Day on Monday, 7th February, 2022, 9.30 am - Winchester City Council

We asked for comments in relation to the new car park being introduced in Bar End Road, Winchester, Hampshire, in connection with the new leisure facility, known as the Winchester Sport and Leisure Park.

We received 2 responses to the consultation.

The representations have been carefully considered and responded to directly. The Traffic Regulation Order was Made on the 17^th June 2021 and comes into operation on 23^rd June 2021. A copy of the Made Order and the Notice of Making can be found at the bottom of this page. Both documents can also be viewed on our website using the following link:  

 https://www.winchester.gov.uk/roads-highways/traffic-regulation-orders

A copy of the decision report can be found using the link below –

https://democracy.winchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=834