House building: Concern over delays to council development plan

The future of housing development in Winchester has been thrown into further uncertainty after the city council announced new delays to its Local Plan — a key planning document that will guide where and how homes are built until 2040. 

Originally expected to be adopted by August 2024, the plan is now not due to be in place until later this year.

The delay leaves developers able to submit proposals under existing planning rules, which some campaigners argue are outdated and less environmentally robust. 

Green Party councillor Danny Lee expressed concern that the postponement could lead to lower sustainability standards. 

“Lower environmental standards will continue for longer,” he said.

“All developments will be assessed against the current Local Plan.” 

Community groups have warned that the delay could lead to increased pressure on greenfield land and make it harder to meet local climate goals.

The city already has some of the highest housing costs in the South of England, with students and younger renters among the hardest hit. 

Despite the criticism, city officials say the delay is necessary to ensure a legally sound and well-evidenced plan.

Councillor Jackie Porter, cabinet member for place and the Local Plan, said the new timeline protects communities from unplanned development. 

“We are on track to produce a sound and evidence-based plan,” she said.

“Future development will be managed, responsible and in keeping with its surroundings.” 

Council leader Martin Tod also defended the process, noting that planning inspectors had given a positive initial response to the draft version of the plan in September. 

“I’m really pleased,” he said.

“We wanted the highest possible environmental standards and more affordable homes — this keeps us on track to deliver.” 

The Local Plan plays a vital role in setting housing targets for the next 15 years and is seen as vital to addressing both Winchester’s housing needs and its environmental commitments. 

House prices in Winchester have reached record highs, with some housing agencies indicating that they have seen the sharpest annual rise of any UK city.

Average prices have increased significantly over the past few years, reaching more than £500,000 and placing Winchester as one of the least affordable cities in the UK to buy a home.  

However, with final adoption delayed, tensions between developers, local politicians and campaigners look set to continue.