Former PM objects to flats proposal near her home near Reading
Theresa May has written to her local authority about plan for apartments in Sonning
Plans to build a “luxury” retirement village in Sonning near Reading could be approved in teh next few days – despite opposition from former Prime Minister Theresa May.
Arlington Retirement Lifestyles has applied for planning permission to build 57 apartments for people over the age of 60, just off Old Bath Road.
According to the plans, there will be three apartment blocks that will each be three storeys tall, communal landscape gardens, and 63 parking spaces.
The company’s website states they will be “luxury apartments” with “communal facilities designed to the highest standards”.
Wokingham Borough Council is expected to give the project the green light at a meeting on March 24, after it was recommended for approval by council planning officers.
Former PM objects
Ms May, the MP for Maidenhead, and 16 other people have lodged objections.
She wrote: “As well as being the local MP I am also a resident of Sonning.
“I note that the company seeking to develop the site have already started marketing the proposed apartments.
“I also note a number of inaccuracies in describing the development including in the papers lodged with the council.
“For example, the application states that the minimum age for residents will be 60 but the website entry advertising the site describes the accommodation as ‘luxury living for the over 55s’.
“Moreover, the transport statement refers to there being 63 proposed car parking spaces while other documents – the design and access statements – state there will be 64 parking spaces.”
She added: “The 57 dwellings proposed on this site would be squeezed into an area currently occupied by three typically large Sonning houses which are in keeping with the area.
“Sonning is a much loved and visited village and it is important to ensure that new developments respect the local surroundings.
“This development is inappropriate for the local area.”
Other objectors claim it will be an “overly dense development with excessive height and bulk” that will overlook nearby properties, according to a council report.
The company says it cannot ensure that any of the apartments are affordable, but it will provide a £1.6 million contribution for other affordable housing projects.