University's housing plan upsets neighbours

1:34pm Friday 5th October 2007

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SHOCK has been expressed at plans to house 375 students close to a residential street in Winchester.

Residents in Milnthorpe Lane say the five-storey halls of residence, for University of Winchester students, will overlook their houses and cause them significant noise and light pollution. One resident said the proposed building would be four times as big as what is currently on the site, which is sandwiched between Queens Road and Milnthorpe Lane.

But the University of Winchester defended the application, saying it would relieve pressure on the private rental sector in Stanmore and meet a key need for the city.

Rufus Boyd, chairman of the Milnthorpe Lane Residents Association, said: "We have had a great relationship with the university over the years but they told us nothing about this, the first we heard about it was in the Hampshire Chronicle. That was quite shocking.

"It's extremely in your face and I don't think it will just affect people in our lane, it will impact on people from Sleepers Hill, too.

"It will rival the police headquarters on the hill as Winchester's worst building. It will ruin the views from St Giles's Hill and St Catherine's Hill."

The application is part a joint project between the university and Domain, the company that owns the site. Tommy Geddes, the university's pro vice-chancellor, said Domain would construct the student block and that the university would then sign a 40-year lease back agreement on the building.

Irene Woolgar, of Milnthorpe Lane, added: "It overlooks us completely. It will be like living in a giant goldfish bowl.

"I feel very strongly, as do people around here. I think we're very disappointed with the way it's been done. People who have seen the plans are amazed.

"The proposed building is higher than what's there now and comes closer to us. It's huge in comparison, it's four times as big, at least."

Cllr Fiona Mather, city council representative for the St Michael ward, said: "I was very shocked that an application on this scale should be put in with so little consultation.

"As far as I can make out it's a massive building, which shows no sensitivity to their surroundings "There's been no liasing on this and I think it should be re-thought out."

Mr Geddes said the university would bring forward a meeting with neighbours to consult with them about the application. He said the university had successfully managed a larger student residence in Romsey Road and appeased neighbour's concerns about noise pollution. He added that it was up to the architects of the project to address the issues of overlooking.

Mr Geddes said: "I'm confident it will get planning consent because it meets a key need."

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