Winchester News Online
Criticism over lack of affordable housing in ‘posh’ new housing development
A planning application which was approved to build 33 homes on the grounds of a luxury hotel has been criticised as being “too posh” to have affordable housing.
The go-ahead was given to build the new houses near Oakley Hall, located in the Borough of Basingstoke and Deane, after seven councillors voted in favour of the development.
However concerns were raised after it was revealed that no affordable housing would be built as part of this development, despite the council’s planning policy which states that developments of more than 10 homes should provide on-site affordable housing.
The developers are looking to provide financial support for affordable housing elsewhere, rather than providing it on-site, but Councillor David Potter insisted in a recent online council meeting that the council’s policy is “clear” that “40% affordable housing should be provided”.
The new development would nearly double the population of the local area. Residents from Deane, which is home to only 40 people, expressed concern.
One local told Winol: “It seems the developers don’t think affordable housing is prestigious enough to have on their greenfield site, so they want to put it somewhere else.”
One requirement to build on a greenfield site such as the one near Oakley Hall is that the housing remains affordable to local residents.
In the same meeting, which ran for three hours, Councillor Jane Frankum claimed it was “appalling” to suggest that the new development was “too posh” to have affordable housing.
The development will be close to Oakley Hall, a four star country house hotel.
Winchester News Online
Police hunt man who threw chair and threatened shoppers
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Winchester News Online
Police officers injured during anti-migration rally
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
Winchester News Online
Residents warned over closure of recycling centre
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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