Clare Balding adds her signature to Kingsclere petition

Mill heritage site under threat of development

CLARE Balding is among those who have signed a Kingsclere petition opposing the possible development of an historic mill site in the village where she once lived.

The television presenter and author, who grew up in the village, has added her signature to the petition raised by villager Marie Gundry, and Ms Balding’s uncle, the Earl of Huntingdon, William Hastings-Bass, regarding Gailey Mill – one of seven development sites proposed for inclusion in Kingsclere’s emerging Neighbourhood Plan.

Site owner Lord Huntingdon, whose family has leased it out for the last six decades, said the petition had arisen through local support.

He added that the Grade II-listed Gailey Mill was “an iconic part of Kingsclere’s heritage” and he felt strongly that the site, known as Horsebrook, should be saved.

Lord Huntingdon said: “It’s a good habitat for wildlife and bordered on two sides by Gailey Brook.

“I don’t think the residue from any houses and gardens would help the stream life much.”

Ms Balding who previously lived at Mill House, has also signed the petition.

Lord Huntingdon raised concerns about increased traffic and access to the site.

The petition reveals the history of Horsebrook, used in former times to put working horses out to grass between spring sowing and harvest, and more recently for the grazing of retired racehorses and rare breed Red Poll cattle and Wiltshire Horn sheep.

Fed by the aquifer at Wells Head, the stream supports an ecosystem at an unspoilt site.

The site is next to the house of award-winning Kingsclere hairdresser, John Castelli, of Twist Hair.

Mr Castelli, who last week put a copy of the petition out in his Swan Street salon, said it had since gathered around 100 signatures.

“It’s a silly place – whether my house is near or not – it’s known as the walkway to the downs,” he said, adding it could set a precedent to develop land up to White Hill.

The other six sites are: between Coppice Road and the A339; between Fawconer Road and the A339; between Strokins Road and the A339; behind Poveys Mead; between Basingstoke Road and Yew Tree Farm; and a portion of a field at Porch Farm next to the footpath behind Keeps Mead.

A copy of the petition is also available at McColl’s, in Swan Street.

The petition will be handed in at a public meeting at the Fieldgate Centre, on Friday, October 16 (7.30pm), when the Neighbourhood Planning Group, chaired by Kingsclere parish councillor Sue Adams, will present conclusions on the draft Neighbourhood Plan, prior to a formal consultation with villagers.