Council objects to outline permission for 23 'first-time' homes near Thatcham

Thatcham Town Council has objected to an application for outline permission relating to a development of 23 first homes in Cold Ash.

The site sits on land opposite Lawrences Lane, adjacent to Little Copse in Thatcham.

Applicant First Homes Limited's proposal is for up to 23 'first homes' with associated parking and a private amenity area.

Plans for development on land in this area came before the council in October last year for the construction of nine ‘first-time homes’ under another developer's name.

Thatcham Town Council had objected to that too and the application was later withdrawn.

The matter to be considered on this occasion was access to the site, which the town council dubbed ‘inappropriate’.

The council objected to the site, which is outside the settlement boundary as Lawrences Lane, which the council supported as an active travel route, is narrow and unsuitable for any increase in traffic.

It said access to the site through Southend was unsuitable and it disagreed with applicants' statements that the area was infrequently used by dog walkers and pedestrians.

Individual councillors questioned what constitutes a ‘first home’ but didn’t make an official statement on this matter as the council was only asked to comment on access.

However, in its design and access statement, First Homes Limited defined this as a home discounted by a minimum of 30 per cent against the market value.

After the discount has been applied the first sale of such a home must be at a price no higher than £250,000.

More information can be found by searching 22/02841/OUTMAJ on West Berkshire Council’s online planning portal.