Housing development south of Newbury gets the go ahead
A housing inspector overruled a decision to turn down the plans for Sandleford
More than 5,000 people have already signed a petition to ‘save Sandleford from extinction’.
And protests are mounting to stop potential development of around 1,000 homes at the Newbury site, after the Government last week overturned a decision by West Berskhire Council to reject the scheme.
Say No to Sandleford’s petiton states:
“It is astounding that this area holds seven ancient woodlands in close proximity, developing naturally and dating from before 1600.
“These woodlands are linked and provide the sole habitat for many species of animal and plant, many protected in the UK such as the hazel dormouse, barbastelle bat, fieldfare thrush and the lapwing. The ancient wood pasture and parkland contain ancient trees and historic hedgerow, all of which is under threat.”
Comments are building on the petition site as local anger grows at the Secretary of State’s decision to permit outline planning permision.
And the pressure group is now looking for more local views on the decision.
Bloor Homes and Sandleford Homes Partnership appealed against West Berkshire Council refusing its scheme to build the homes off Monks Lane last year.
Any appeal to the High Court on the matter must now be made within six weeks.
“I believe in saving our woodlands against unnecessary over development just for the sake of maximising profit,” said Stepahnie Grant.
“This is a national disgrace to allow ancient woodland and habitats to be ripped up by greedy, irresponsible and arrogant developers. There are too many houses being built in Britain and too many owning second homes. When will this madness end?” wrote Rupert Chennells.
The Liberal Democrats on West Berkshire Council have vowed to “fight on” and put a stop to the planning application.
Councillor Tony Vickers, Lib Dem planning spokesman on West Berkshire Council, said:
“This comes as no surprise. The die was cast over 12 years ago when the Conservative run local planning authority allocated the site for 2,000 homes.
“This is just the end of the beginning of the process.”
Dr Vickers said there were still “numerous planning conditions to be met by the applicants before any work could start”.
The development will eventually provide up to 1,080 new homes including affordable housing; a new two-form entry primary school; expansion for Park House Academy School; a local centre; the formation of new access onto Monks Lane; and a country park.
West Berkshire Council has also said it is ‘disappointed’ with the decision.
Richard Somner, executive member for planning, transport and countryside at West Berkshire Council, said:
“We are disappointed with the outcome of the appeal inquiry for Sandleford Park, which is an allocated strategic development site.
“However, in order to provide a sustainable urban extension to the south of Newbury, the council is actively seeking and will continue to engage positively with the landowners/developers and interested parties on moving the site forward.
“This will ensure the delivery of a high quality residential-led development at Sandleford Park, along with the necessary infrastructure, within the context of this appeal decision.”