Application for floating homes near Theale submitted

225 homes proposed near Burghfield Sailing Club

FLOATING homes, along with 200 other residential properties, could be built in West Berkshire if plans are approved.

Berfield Ltd has submitted an application to build up to 225 homes on the north west side of Theale Lake.

The new hamlet, referred to as Burghfield Park, would comprise 24 ‘Can-Float’ homes on the edge of the lake, which are designed to rise and fall with water levels during flooding.

The scheme is a joint venture between Floodline Developments and Larkfleet Group, who say that the floating homes are an innovative way to increase housing stock in areas usually unsuitable for housing.

Nevertheless, the 201 conventional homes would be built in a low flood risk zone and the application also includes flood alleviation and drainage works.

An alleviation pond capable of storing 1,000m3 is proposed along with a smaller basin to encourage wildlife. The water would discharge into the ground or overflow into the lake.

The swing bridge over the Kennet and Avon Canal is also to be replaced and access will come from Hangar Road.

The developers said that 45 of the 156 conventional homes would be affordable.

The homes would be built close to Burghfield Sailing Club, which is to benefit significantly should the plans go ahead.

The sailing centre would undergo a refurbishment, including a new clubhouse and buildings for equipment, and also host the Berkshire Sail Training Centre and the Sailability charity.

Berfield said that the recreational benefits and residents quality of life at Burghfield Park would be second to none.

“Burghfield Park will also deliver tangible direct benefits to the wider community, through the associated enhancements to Sheffield Bridge and Station Road, and in particular through the carefully considered and extensive flood mitigation measures,” they said.

They said their plans represented “a truly unique opportunity to deliver not only much-needed new homes in a setting of the highest quality, but also wide recreational enhancements and significant infrastructure improvements, providing direct benefits to the whole of the surrounding community”.

If approved the development is expected to take four years to build, with the sailing club improvements coming in the second of four phases.

Support has come from Burghfield resident Steven Townsend, who said the proposals would add considerable value to Theale and Burghfield.

“I have noticed that the development as well as making the park land area more available to the local people/community is maintaining the importance of the sailing facility which is also an important area for migratory wild life and birds. This has to be welcomed.”

To view and comment on the application enter 16/01240/OUTMAJ into West Berkshire Council’s planning website.

Theale Parish Council will discuss the plans at a meeting on Monday, June 6.