Major development proposal approved at Compton

West Berkshire Council approved planning permission for a major redevelopment at the vacant Pirbright Institute on Tuesday, March 14.

Formerly the Institute for Animal Health, the centre researched viral diseases among farm animals and transmittable viruses from animals to humans.

Homes England applied for permission to demolish existing buildings and build 160 residential units and other associated infrastructure on the site.

East Ilsley, Compton and Hampstead Norreys previously objected due to an anticipated traffic increase caused by the housing influx and the potential contamination on the site.

Many residents also cited concerns for the volume of houses, flood risks and strain on existing infrastructure in their objections.

Conditional approval has been granted, dependent on the applicant introducing suitable measures to assess the water quality on the site and to control the level of dirt and noise disruption caused HGV travel during the construction process.

The schemes must be submitted in writing and approved by the local planning authority.