Battle lines drawn ahead of Compton housing plan
Villagers oppose 30-home development
RESIDENTS and a village developer are squaring up over plans for a 30-home development in Compton.
Former racehorse trainer Peter Cundell and his firm Peter Cundell Developments are planning to develop the new homes on land north of School Road.
In response to the proposal, Compton villagers are rallying with a circulated flyer drawing attention to the proposals, entitled: ‘Say ‘no’ to a proposed expansion of Compton beyond existing village boundary and more local flooding.’
It goes on: “The site currently has a well-used public footpath with open Downland views across the village as it occupies an elevated position.
“Development on this sloping site would create an additional flood risk from hard-surface run-off onto the High Street and playing fields – flooding last seen in 2014.
“Currently, this field acts like a sponge to mitigate peak water flow from run-off into the village.
“In addition to increased flood risk there would be increased traffic at a difficult junction and could put more pressure on village services including schools, health care and waste water treatment.
“This is phase 1 of possible further village development so the impact of moving this official village boundary is significant.”
In response, Mr Cundell told the Newbury Weekly News that if plans are approved by West Berkshire Council, the development would, in fact, be a boon for the village.
He said: “If we get planning, we would build quality homes as at Yew Tree Stables and affordable housing if required, bearing in mind the huge amount of flats that Sovereign have taken over at the Pirbright Site.
“If the affordable housing is not required we shall contribute to new classrooms at the junior school and upgrade the sports hall at The Downs School.
“It should be noted that when I built Yew Tree Stables we put a new roof on the village hall.
“However, Lowbury Gardens and Greens Yard, built on flood zones, have not directly contributed to the schools or the village.
“I appreciate it will affect six houses at Yew Tree Stables but overall will be a benefit for the prosperity of the village and the schools.”
The full plans for the development were put on display at Compton Village hall at a public meeting on Friday.
