Thatcham councillors concerned with 'incomplete' local plan draft for 1,500 homes in north east

Thatcham councillors have raised their concerns with the “incomplete” West Berkshire local plan – which is now moving onto its final stages.

Speaking at a West Berkshire Council meeting, held on December 1, leader of Thatcham Town Council Lee Dillon (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East) said he was against the "rushed vote" which contained outdated information and lacked key documents.

Before the motion was passed, Mr Dillon, the leader of the district's Liberal Democrats, said: “With such discrepancies it cannot be right that we approve this motion and leave the future housing allocation for the next generation to be left to delegated decision by officers when the public will be making comments on flawed thinking.

“As councillors we need to say now is the time to pause, to get the correct information together and then go out to the public in full confidence that they can make informed contributions.”

After the passing of the motion, deputy leader of Thatcham Town Council David Lister (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) told Newburytoday: “For Thatcham, it’s critically important that major new housing growth is associated with appropriate infrastructure.

“My initial view is that the Reg-19 Local Plan is incomplete as it’s been published without important accompanying studies such as an updated infrastructure delivery plan, transport plan, or viability assessment.

“We’ve waited two years since the last consultation but the partial information offered means that it’s impossible to assess whether the recognised need for new GP facilities, schools, or transport infrastructure will ever be delivered.”

Chairman of Thatcham’s planning and highways committee Simon Pike (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) has not given comment but will chair the next meeting where the plans will be discussed.

The next Thatcham Town Council planning and highways meeting falls on December 13 (Tuesday) at 7pm, at the council offices on Brownsfield Road, and members of the public are welcome to attend.