House demolition in Weeke sparks concern from preservation group

The City of Winchester Trust has highlighted the trend of developers buying up large houses and applying to demolish them and building on the gardens.

Recently Meadowlands on Stockbridge Road, Weeke, was knocked down for redevelopment.

In the latest trust newsletter Keith Leaman has highlighted other cases including two houses on the northern side of the city.

Mr Leaman writes: "The Trust is concerned at the current trend of developers moving in on large garden sites in the outer ring of Winchester and removing large houses and trees in order to accommodate as much housing as possible.

"We would accept that some of the existing houses are not architecturally significant and that sites can be exploited, however there are some buildings that do have a

value well worth considering. Unfortunately, such houses are not easily protected, they are not listed, and not in a conservation area. One such house that is about to be removed is a good example of the Arts

and Crafts Movement with good materials, probably worthy of spot listing.

"We have been made aware of two more significant houses that are about to be sold, which may well put them under threat. Both reflect the mid 19th century and early 20th century styles of architecture

and both make a major contribution to their locality. The first is Beechwood, Worthy Road, which was the home of (Victorian architect) John Colson senior; the other is Brendon House, Park Road, now Brendoncare, by John Colson junior.

"Beechwood is a Victorian house, well detailed with good materials and very much represents a typical piece of architecture of the mid to late 19th century. Brendon House is early 20th century and is in the Queen Anne style practised by a number of architects at that time, including Lutyens.

"The Colson father and son were well known Winchester architects and followed each other as Winchester Cathedral surveyors. They were also responsible for a number of churches throughout Hampshire.