Popham Airfield: Winchester City Council confirms opposition to plans

The land at Popham Airfield has been earmarked for development in the latest draft of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's local plan.

Fears have been raised by The Dever Society that a garden village could boost plans for a new town at Micheldever Station. 

City councillor Stephen Godfrey, a Conservative who represents Wonston and Micheldever, asked civic chiefs about the authority's response. 

Speaking at the full council meeting on February 22, he said: “The cabinet member is aware of the inclusion of a residential housing allocation of 3,000 homes at Popham Airfield in the Reg 18 Local Plan Update by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. 

READ MORE: Airfield threatened with closure under 3,000-home garden village plan

“This new town proposal has caused great consternation among residents of my ward, particularly those in Micheldever Station, which adjoins the Popham Airfield site. Apart from the imposition of a large new settlement in the countryside on our boundary, the proposal includes several significant infrastructure requirements within Winchester district. 

“What dialogue has taken place between Winchester City Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council over the inclusion of Popham Airfield in their Local Plan Update?”

Cllr Jackie Porter, cabinet member for place and local plan, said: “Winchester City Council does not agree that a new development in the countryside, such as what is proposed for Popham, is the most carbon or socially efficient way to build a community. 

“We have serious questions about whether this proposal is even deliverable. We were surprised to see the proposal for Popham come up in Basingstoke's local plan without any consultation, even though it comes right to the Winchester boarder. 

“The proposal includes the use of local facilities at Micheldever Station, including the station itself instead of providing its own or linking to their own communities which was completely unexpected.

“It's a risk that a portion of the site is considered to be previously developed land, so we could end up with an unsuitable and unwanted speculative development with major negative impacts on our area. 

“The Dever Society and many residents have written to me to express their fears if it goes ahead. I'm urging residents to express their opinion to the Basingstoke local plan consultation. Their opinions will provide useful context for our neighbouring district. 

“The council's obvious need is to protect the land around the hamlet of Micheldever Station. We will be opposing the proposals.”