Pickles gives blessing for 2,000 'blocked' homes

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Development, Local Government

Eric Pickles has approved an appeal to build 2,000 new homes in Winchester after the council blocked the original bid.

Cala Homes' planning application for the Barton Farm site was rejected in 2010 by Winchester City Council on the grounds that it was "premature".

Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, originally supported the council's position but has now given his consent since the decision was ruled unlawful.

The High Court found that Pickles acted unlawfully when he abolished regional housebuilding targets without legislation.

Cllr Keith Wood, Leader of the City Council, said: “Personally I am disappointed that the time has come to release this site for housing but the Secretary of State has applied his own rules and we have no choice but to follow them. We argued strongly about the application, but we have been overtaken by events.

"The Council now needs to ensure that the development of this site generates all the promised benefits to the community. We plan to set up a forum to help ensure that the development minimises the disruption to Winchester residents, and the infrastructure requirements are implemented properly and promptly.”