"This is an extremely exciting project. Capability Brown was possibly the most significant landscape designer of all time. His achievements read like a list of our finest stately homes, and to have some of his work on our doorstep is indeed a great privilege. However, to local people, the North Stoneham Estate offers much more than a prime example of eighteenth century landscape design. To them, Stoneham is important for different reasons. The overwhelming response to a recent request for information in the Borough News, is indicative of great importance that local people attach to this land. Childhood memories of a magnificent country estate have not faded with time. With their help, our officers have been piecing together a unique picture of what this area used to be like.
We believe that Avenue Park can be restored as a slice of living history, providing an outstanding resource for all local people to enjoy, and a place where wildlife can flourish.
Our committee commends these proposals. We urge you to give them your full support."
Cllr. W Luffman and Cllr P Wall, joint chairs, Eastleigh Area Committee, 1999