Decision tonight on racecourse plans

The first 'reserved matters' application for 421 houses will be considered by West Berkshire councillors tonight (Wednesday)

A DECISION is due on part of Newbury's largest ever housing application tonight (Wednesday), with planning officers recommending approval.

The plans for 421 houses in the western area of the redevelopment of Newbury Racecourse are due to be discussed by West Berkshire councillors on the western area committee - three weeks after the application was originally due for a decision.

On that occasion, the plans were deferred to the next planning meeting, owing to the fact that several councillors, including members for the wards mainly affected by the proposals, were unable to attend the meeting.

The ‘reserved matters' application - one of three currently awaiting determination - relates to the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale only, with other matters already approved as part of the outline planning permission that was granted in January 2010.

West Berkshire Council has received 29 letters of objection in relation the application, while Greenham Parish Council has objected to the application on a number of grounds and expressed concern that the application does not fully comply with the outline permission.

However, in their report before councillors, council officers have said that while the parish council's concerns are noted, they have no basis in planning law.

The officers' report concludes that whilst a few aspects of the layout, form and scale are not optimal, within the constraints of the site, the architects have achieved a very satisfactory outcome which will create a pleasant future urban space, albeit at a dense level.

Officers also add that the application would make the most efficient use of land close to the town centre and would provide much needed affordable housing – 127 units in total.

A decision on the plans will be made by councillors at the meeting, which takes place at the council offices in Market Street, Newbury, tonight at 6pm. For the decision, log back tomorrow.