Pond Close development sees request to West Berkshire Council to demolish garages

The development of old garages on Newbury's Pond Close has moved a step closer.

Permission is now being sought to demolish the buildings to make way for new flats.

Pond Close residents lost their battle to stop the Newbury cul-de-sac being developed earlier this year.

The planning inspector said the council was wrong to refuse planning permission for two more houses and multi occupancy flats for up to 12 people.

Fourteen local people tried to block the proposal, on land occupied by disused garages, claiming it would be over development of the area.

They argued that parking spaces would be lost and road safety would be compromised, with limited access for emergency service vehicles.