28 flats to be built on former magistrates court in Newbury

The rebuild of Newbury magistrates court will go ahead.

It will be turned into 28 flats – despite objections from conservationists calling the design a ‘monolithic block’.

“I’d be happy to reject this application just on the way it looks,” said Adrian Abbs (Lib Dem, Wash Common), who added that the 10 sq m gardens were too small for two-bedroom flats.

A 41-name petition objecting to plans was lodged at the western area planning committee last night (Wednesday).

“It will dominate the area and is not in keeping with the area,” said Phil Barnett (Lib Dem, Newbury Greenham).

“The area already has more parking permits than there are parking spots.”

Other residents said the development would result in an increase in traffic, adding to what they claim is already poor air quality.

The Newbury Society said: “A new building here should reflect the traditional architecture of the town.

“As proposed, the four-storey flat-roofed design would present as a monolithic block from across the river.”

Newbury Town Council also objected and said it would place additional pressure on the sewers.

“This development is a missed opportunity” said Nigel Foot (Lib Dem, West Fields).

“Its a disappointment that the design of the building was taken from the police station. More creative from an architectural point of view would be welcome.”

The former Newbury magistrates court has already been demolished and removed from the site.

“It produces the social housing we need, and I don’t actually mind the design, so I am for this development,” said Howard Woollaston (Con, Lambourn).

Councillors put the scheme through, but requested a revised parking layout, and that the canal bank structure is secured.