As a member of the RTPI Regional Events Committee, Principal Planner, Amy Powell, helped to organise the RTPI’s presidential visit to the region.
RTPI President, Sue Bridge, was taken on a tour of several places of interest on her two-day presidential tour.
Whitehill and Borden
East Hampshire District Council provided a tour of Whitehill and Borden, a former army barracks that is soon to be transformed into a new sustainable, healthy and connected town.
The Green Loop
As part of the vision for Whitehill and Borden, a Green Loop is being developed which will provide a 7km walking and cycling route that connects the new and existing neighbourhoods of the town. In recognition of the project, it won RTPI South East and national ‘Best Project’ 2022.
Amy commented, “Whitehill and Borden is a fantastic example of collaboration between the local authority, county council, and developers to deliver on the aspirations of the local community for a new healthy eco-friendly town. The council’s aspiration to deliver the key infrastructure ahead of housing has led to the provision of a new relief road, award-winning green infrastructure, a new secondary school, leisure centre, community hub, business start-up centre and new public parks and recreation opportunities. Whitehill and Borden is an exemplary case study of how planning for infrastructure before the delivery of housing can create beautiful, healthy and cohesive towns from the outset and vastly improve the lives of existing and new residents.”
Winchester Cathedral
Associate at Purcell, Charlotte Robinson, presented a fascinating overview of the planning context of Winchester Cathedral’s estate, including ecclesiastical consent, key stakeholders and upcoming projects. Those on the tour were able to see first-hand, some of the challenges involved in conserving the Cathedral and other Grade I and II* listed assets which are over eight centuries old.
Charlotte commented, “It was a pleasure to host the president and delegation from the RTPI at Winchester Cathedral. The Cathedral has a fabulous range of historic buildings and landscapes within the estate, each with unique opportunities and challenges. The team explored the complexities of conservation, care, and development of the historic buildings, and had some insightful thoughts on how to plan for the future of the Cathedral.”