The Newbury Society launch a petition to stop Lochailort’s plans for the Kennet Shopping centre redevelopment

Conservationists in Newbury have launched a petition to stop plans for a 367-flat development at the Kennet Centre.

The Newbury Society is opposed to the plan which proposes ten-storey height blocks.

The e-petition went live on Sunday evening, and the society is looking for the support of anyone who agrees that the plans are on such a scale that they will be damaging to the character of Newbury.

“Tower blocks and the bulk of this development are not in keeping

with this country market town,” said society chair David Peacock.

The link to the petition is here: https://chng.it/6tM7V9zV96

The plans, which include six-storey blocks of flats on Bartholomew Street and

Market Street, and no affordable housing, were turned down by West Berkshire Council in November.

The developers Lochailort have now lodged an appeal which will be heard by a national planning inspector.

"This is a call to action," added Mr Peacock. "Please support the petition, and write if you can. The deadline for writing to the planning inspector if you wish your comments to be considered is July 17."