'Expect fireworks' over new Hungerford homes

Mayor says he's ready to defend town

IN JUST three week’s time, Hungerford will know how many new houses it is expected to host by 2026.

And town mayor Martin Crane said he had been warned to “expect some fireworks”.

In an open letter to residents, Mr Crane said: “The announcement on November 5 will indicate, for the first time, where building approval might be given.

“However, there will be a period of consultation and it will be at this point that your council will present the full defensive case based very much on the Town Plan Refresh document that was adopted by West Berkshire Council in 2013.

“This shows that having regard to the number of housing units built since the inception of the strategic plan, the balance of just under 100 new houses, would be acceptable.

“Nevertheless, more recent announcements from central Government add even more pressure on local authorities to reach their target numbers or be over-ridden.”

Mr Crane said a “senior member of West Berkshire Council” had warned him to “expect some fireworks” when the announcement was made.

But district councillor Paul Hewer (Con, Hungerford) said he felt Mr Crane risked being alarmist.

He added: “Quite clearly West Berkshire Council will come under increasing pressure to build in Hungerford, particularly as it’s designated a rural service centre.

“But the fact is that we need new homes – particularly ‘affordable housing’ – in Hungerford.

“There have been no large builds in recent years and this has pushed up prices.

“Our children need somewhere to live and they are being priced out.

“Obviously we’re not going to be another Milton Keynes but I believe Hungerford could comfortably absorb up to 175 new homes.”

However his colleague James Podger (Con, Hungerford) has said he would oppose any “large scale” development.

The Preferred Options Draft of the Housing Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) states that five hectares of land between Salisbury Road and John O’ Gaunt school “could accommodate approximately 100 dwellings”.

The document alternatively recommends developing the Eddington area, grouping together land at Hungerford Veterinary Centre, part of Folly Dog Leg Field, Hungerford Garden Centre and Eddington itself.

Mr Crane said he feared that, in the current climate, Hungerford will be “faced with an uphill task to maintain our ground over the numbers allocated to our town” on November 5.