Petition - Keep Andover Road open, Kings Barton

Thank you for your petition received on 18 July 2022.

Hampshire County Council as Highway Authority was not the determining Planning Authority for this matter.  The decision to close Andover Road was agreed via a planning appeal heard by a planning inspector.  The County Council cannot lawfully unilaterally undo this planning decision and on this occasion have no power to direct the developer or the Local Planning Authority to keep Andover Road open to all traffic.

In planning process terms, the changes requested by the residents’ association would need to be voluntarily agreed by the Cala homes and the LPA.  One way to implement any change would be via Cala Homes and the LPA reaching agreement on a variation to or a new planning application process.

At present the County Council is open minded as to alternative access options, of which there are several potential including leaving Andover Road open to all traffic and will seek to support or agree any changes based on the technical evidence and case for change.  In light of new growth options north of Barton Farm and the identified need for a northern park and ride site for Winchester the County Council consider there is a good case for reviewing the Andover Road access arrangements.

To that end the County Council will continue working closely with Cala Homes and the LPA to help facilitate the best outcomes for the existing and future residents of Winchester but it is not the lead authority in this planning matter.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Edward Heron
Executive Lead Member for Transport and Environment Strategy