Plans for Travellers Friend in Crookham Heath earmarked for approval

The demolition of a disused pub to build 18 new flats for young people with autism and learning disabilities has met with strong local objection.

More than 10 objections mean the plans to convert the Travellers Friend in Crookham Common will now be decided by the West Berkshire Council eastern area planning committee next week.

Representations have been received from 23 contributors, all of which object to the proposal.

In summary, they say the development is out of character with the local area, is a non sustainable location, and has very few facilities for the proposed residents.

They also say there will be an impact on local infrastructure and traffic, with an increase in noise and pollution.

But council planners are recommending the scheme is approved, saying: “Given the physical separation of the proposal to these dwellings and the fact that the site was in use as a public house in the past, which would have engendered a degree of noise and disruption, given the nature of the supported use on site in this scheme it is not considered that there will be any harmful impact on local amenity by reason of increased noise or indeed traffic movements as noted in some of the objections.

“In addition it is noted that the environmental health officer has raised no objections to the application.”

The committee meets next Tuesday.