Thatcham landscape saved from development.

Plans by a local landowner to build 90 new homes east of Tull Way in Thatcham, have been rejected by a government planning inspector.

In rejecting the housing development, the planning inspector said "the appeal site, being an arable field on the edge of the settlement, retains a rural quality that provides an attractively soft transition between the built-up part of Thatcham and the open countryside beyond, and continued, it would harm the character and appearance of this part of Thatcham, and so would conflict with the objectives of saved Policy HSG.1 of the Local Plan."



Nearby residents supported by Ward Councillor Keith Woodhams attended the planning hearing held at West Berkshire Council offices in Newbury, to raise their concerns over the impact the development would have on the town's infrastructure, wild life and outstanding views across the countryside.

We are delighted with the inspector's decision. Local residents worked really hard to prevent this development going ahead on a greenfield site. I was also delighted to present a 424 signature petition on their behalf to the council Executive in June last year and I feel this added weight to the inspector's decision.

(Excerpts taken from a press release)