WORKS on Winchester’s biggest housing development for a decade is due to start next week, a meeting heard.

At the first meeting of the North Winchester Community Forum last Thursday, Cllr Kelsie Learney confirmed that work will start at Barton Farm on Monday November 24, seeing the first phase of the highway improvement works begin.

Works at Andover Road North continue until December 19, stop over Christmas and the New Year, and will restart on January 5 to be completed by the end of March 2015.

Works will be carried out from 7.30am-6pm Monday to Friday and 7.30am-1pm on Saturdays.

Rob Westwood, Cala Homes’ project director for Barton Farm, said: “We have worked in partnership with our contractors, Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council to make these preparations which, once complete, will provide safe, convenient access to the site. “Local residents have been kept informed and will have access to their homes at all times and traffic management will be in place to minimise any disruption to the flow of traffic.”

As well as creating a temporary junction, the work will include resurfacing and kerb works on the existing road, a new pedestrian crossing, new temporary streetlights, safety surfacing and white lines. It is expected that most of the new paving will be retained as part of a permanent smaller junction once the Andover Road is diverted through the new development.

Building works are set to begin in spring 2015. The plans include 223 units, a primary school, community centre, public open space, 2,000 private and affordable homes, village green and town square, will be implemented at a later date.

Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council, added: “Hampshire County Council, as the Highways Authority, is working closely with Winchester City Council and CALA Homes, to ensure disruption to the travelling public is minimised during these works.”