Angela Rippon to open Willow Close housing scheme today
Sovereign Housing Association’s Willow Close development is to be officially opened by broadcaster Angela Rippon.
Construction of the project has taken just over two years.
Representatives from the West Berkshire Council and government agencies, we be welcoming Mrs Rippon, who is a supporter of the Alzheimer’s Society.
The development was shrouded in controversy from the very beginning as parents of pupils that attend St John the Evangelist Nursery and Infant School in Old Newtown Road amassed a 265-strong petition against the plans.
They claimed that the resulting extra traffic would endanger their children.
Officers from West Berkshire Council's highways department initially backed residents' concerns, saying that local roads would not cope with the strain.
However, resubmitted plans were unanimously approved by the council, and Leadbitter Group were given the green light to tear down 34 bungalows on Willow Close and Old Newton Road, and properties on Malvern Court, to make way for the seven bungalows and 57 flats.