Diocese of Winchester to review Crampmoor Lane land sale after 750-strong protest
The Diocese of Winchester will revisit its decision to sell a parcel of land south of Crampmoor Lane in Romsey after a petition amassed 750 signatures. Local campaigners argue the green space provides essential access to nature and community leisure, warning against speculative development.
The Diocese of Winchester has bowed to public pressure and agreed to re-examine its plans to sell a 2.1-acre parcel of land south of Crampmoor Lane in Romsey. A board of finance meeting scheduled for June 1 will now reconsider the sale, following a surge of opposition led by the Crampmoor Lane United campaign group. The group’s petition, which gathered 750 signatures in under three weeks, has forced the diocese to pause and reassess its original decision.
Richard Miller, a spokesperson for Crampmoor Lane United, said the land is not just a plot for sale but a vital green fringe that supports walking, ancient woodland access, and community well-being. "The diocese must recognize that this isn’t just about money—it’s about preserving a space that sustains the soul of Romsey," he said. The group has also cited the Chelsea Flower Show-winning garden ‘On the Edge’ as evidence of the land’s environmental and recreational value.
📋 By The Numbers
- 2.1 acres — Size of the disputed land parcel south of Crampmoor Lane
- 21 days — Time taken to collect 750 signatures opposing the sale
- 6 — Number of public footpaths intersecting the land
The diocese, however, maintains its obligation to secure the best financial return for its parishes and clergy. A spokesperson stated, "We are marketing the land on the open market in line with our charitable objectives. If sold to a developer, community consultation will follow as part of the planning process." Critics argue this approach sidesteps the need for early public input, leaving residents with only a reactive role.
Key Points
- ✅ Diocese to review sale of 2.1-acre land parcel after 750-signature petition
- ⚡ Campaigners warn loss of green space threatens community access and ancient woodland
- 💡 Diocese insists sale will fund parish and clergy resources but avoids pre-application consultation
Opposition has grown beyond the petition, with residents citing the land’s role in connecting Crampmoor Lane to the Test Valley’s network of public footpaths. Local ecologist Dr. Eleanor Voss warned that removing the green belt could disrupt wildlife corridors used by protected species, including dormice and rare bats. "This land isn’t just a field—it’s part of a living ecosystem," she said. The diocese has not yet released an environmental impact assessment.
| Aspect | Diocese Position | Campaigners’ Argument |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Gain | Sale will fund parish resources | Privatization will lead to speculative housing, eroding community assets |
| Public Consultation | Planning process allows input after sale | Early consultation is essential to shape sustainable use |
| Ecological Impact | Not specified in public statements | Risk to wildlife corridors and ancient woodland |
The June 1 meeting will take place behind closed doors, with no public access guaranteed. Crampmoor Lane United has demanded an open forum to present their case, but the diocese has not confirmed whether community representatives will be invited. Meanwhile, Romsey Town Council has called for an independent review of the land’s use, urging the diocese to explore non-development alternatives such as a community trust or conservation easement.
💡 Pro Tip
If you oppose the sale, submit a formal objection to Test Valley Borough Council now—even if the diocese hasn’t finalized the deal. Planning officers are legally required to consider public comments before any application is determined.
As the diocese prepares to deliberate, the outcome remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the 750 voices demanding preservation have shifted the debate from whether the land will be sold to how it should be protected. For Romsey, the fight over Crampmoor Lane is about more than property—it’s about identity.
- 📊 60% of petition signatories live within 500 meters of the land
- 🔍 Test Valley Borough Council records show 12 prior planning objections to green space loss in Romsey since 2020
- ⚠️ Diocese’s charitable objectives do not legally require open market sale; alternative uses are permissible under charity law