Council refuses ‘harmful’ seed processing business proposal in Leckhampstead

West Berkshire Council has refused what it calls a ‘harmful’ a proposal to build a new seed processing business in Leckhampstead.

It announced its decision on November 15 after an 11-month wait.

The proposal by CYO Seeds Ltd involved converting disused farm buildings opposite Nightingale Farm in Wantage Road into a workshop and office with seasonal worker accommodation, solar panels, external lighting and associated vehicle storage.

But the council said the proposal was poorly located and did not demonstrate what additional benefits it would bring to the rural economy.

It added: “The proposed development would be a significant and demonstrably harmful change to the existing site which consists of grassland, agriculture and agricultural field with some redundant farm buildings on it.”

The proposal gained 21 objections from the public on the council’s planning portal.

A spokesperson for Leckhampstead Parish Council previously stated: “The parish council is concerned by the potential light pollution from the large amount of lighting across the site.”

Environmental Health also previously raised concerns about HGV movements taking place directly opposite a residential property at antisocial hours.

And Highways said the proposal would increase traffic in a remote rural location, which has no nearby pedestrian or bus routes.

An appeal by the applicant has not yet been made.

Find out about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.