THE public will have the chance next week to question the developer of Bushfield Camp on the edge of Winchester.

The Church Commissioners and partners want to build a business park on the former army base.

The developers had been due to speak at the last meeting of Badger Farm Parish Council but pulled out at short notice.

The parish council said the developers have agreed to attend the meeting, open to the public, on Monday at Badger Farm Community Centre.

READ MORE HERE: Masterplan approved for former military base

The council is keen for people to attend to find out more about the multi-million pound scheme for a business park, hotel/student accommodation, shops, cafe, nursery and sports facilities. The surrounding chalk downland would be preserved.

The council said: "The company dealing with the development of Bushfield Camp have agreed to attend the next Parish Council meeting on 10th July, 2023 so you can put all your questions to them and voice any concern you may have about the proposed development.

"This will have such a huge impact on Badger Farm and Winchester as a whole so please do come to the meeting.  If you are unable to attend but want a question put to them please email: clerk@badgerfarm-pc.gov.uk."

Bushfield Camp was a military base from World War Two until the 1970s.

SEE MORE: Growing opposition to Bushfield Camp plans

The city council Cabinet recently backed the masterplan. The site was earmarked for business use in the Local Plan adopted in 2013.

The masterplan states: "State of the art workspaces will support Winchester's growing knowledge economy, foster innovation and optimise user wellbeing." It estimates that up to 2,500 jobs could be created.

Many local people have expressed concern about the impact on local traffic flows and the visual impact of the development. A petition on change.org started on June 15 has attracted more than 1,200 names.