West Berkshire Council 'disappointed' at Sandleford Park appeal outcome

West Berkshire Council is ‘disappointed’ with the outcome of the recent appeal inquiry that will allow the controversial Sandleford Park housing development to be built.

The decision was made by the minister of state for housing MP Stuart Andrew, on the behalf of the secretary of state, after a public inquiry last May.

Bloor Homes and Sandleford Partnership’s residential development will see up to 1,080 homes, a primary school, additional facilities for Park House School, and additional infrastructure being built on the Sandleford estate.

Councillor Richard Somner (Con, Tilehurst South and Holybrook), the executive member for planning, transport and countryside at the council, said: “We are disappointed with the outcome of the appeal inquiry for Sandleford Park, which is an allocated strategic development site.

“However, in order to provide a sustainable urban extension to the south of Newbury, the council is actively seeking and will continue to engage positively with the landowners/developers and interested parties on moving the site forward.

“This will ensure the delivery of a high-quality residential-led development at Sandleford Park, along with the necessary infrastructure, within the context of this appeal decision.”

The council initially refused the planning application for a number of reasons, including impact on woodlands, trees, biodiversity, landscape, and inadequate provision of emergency access, public transport, affordable housing tenure mix and sustainable energy generation.

In response to the appeal decision, West Berkshire Council also announced it would “encourage and seek to engage in pre-application discussions positively and pro-actively with the appellants, to ensure that forthcoming reserved matters applications deliver a high-quality and sustainable development”.