How Would the Development of Barton Farm Affect You?
Barton Farm is a natural resource of immense importance for the whole of Winchester. Bordering the northern limits of our city, it provides Winchester with both a defining boundary and an aesthetically pleasing introduction to this historic city.How could the loss of Barton Farm affect me?
The development of approximately 300 acres of farm land into housing will cause an immediate increase in the local population. This will have overwhelming consequences for our local infrastructure: Healthcare and education together with local amenities - already under pressure - will be expected to cope with this extra demand, the cost of which will be shared by all sectors of Winchester society. Traffic congestion, increased levels of pollution– already acknowledged as a major problem in Winchester – could only get worse. IT COULD ALL HAPPEN SOON!!Tourism also plays a vital part in the prosperity of our city. This important source of income could be jeopardised if the character of Winchester is destroyed by insensitive development. Irrespective of where you reside in the city and your level of direct contact with Barton Farm, its loss would have a profound affect upon your life in Winchester…IS THIS REALLY WHAT YOU WANT? THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IS NO IDLE THREAT.
What can be done to counter this threat?
To counter this threat, the SAVE BARTON FARM GROUP has been established by concerned Winchester residents to fight for the Farm’s survival. These are our aims: | To act as a collective voice, in the absence of a Town Council and in the best democratic traditions, for the vast majority of local residents who do not want this precious natural resource for the many lost forever in the pursuit of short-term financial gain for the few. |
| To convince local and central government planning authorities, developers and landowners that sacrificing Barton Farm is neither appropriate nor necessary to meet the quotas for new housing currently being set for Hampshire. |
| To emphasise the environmental, commercial and sociological disaster awaiting Winchester should this development go ahead and to lobby for reasonable alternatives. |
How can I help?
THE SAVE BARTON FARM GROUP already has the backing and support of local residents, but we need to bolster this support and be constantly alert.Please support us in our continuing vigilance…REMEMBER…The future of Barton Farm will determine the future of Winchester itself…Unique historic town versus anodyne, soulless urban sprawl.