Floating homes application near Theale close to submission
Developer looking to build more than 200 homes
DEVELOPERS wanting to build floating homes near Theale are edging closer to submitting plans.
Berfeld Limited is looking to build approximately 224 homes around Theale Lake off Hangar Road, between Theale and Sheffield Bottom.
Berfield, a joint venture company comprising Floodline Developments and Larkfleet Group, said that around 200 of the homes at ‘Burghfield Park’ will be traditional homes.
The remaining properties will be ‘can-float’ homes.
Widely used in Holland, ‘can-floats’ are sited on dry ground, but rise and fall with water levels when the lake is used to hold excess floodwater.
Floodline Developments says that if the area floods, the ‘can-float’ home remains habitable and free from damage, and that utilities remain connected.
Berfield has submitted a scoping opinion with West Berkshire Council’s planning department.
A scoping opinion considers what information should be included in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which assesses and identifies positive and negative environmental effects connected with a development.
The document, prepared by Porta Planning, says that the site lies within the Theale gravel pits local wildlife site which is not deemed a ‘sensitive area’ within EIA regulations.
It also said that the council did not think an EIA was necessary but Berfield wished to ensure that all environmental effects were considered and will carry one out anyway.
The application will also include flood attenuation measures to control the inflow of floodwater into the lake.
The company said this will bring significant benefits by improving local roads, which have previously flooded.
Berfeld says its development “will offer a rich and leisure-led lifestyle” and is looking to improve facilities for Burghfield Sailing Club.
It is also proposing to replace the swing bridge at Sheffield Bottom with a wider bridge and pedestrian walkway.
Regarding traffic, the screening opinion says that the development would increase traffic on local roads, which could affect air quality for nearby residents and at the Hosehill Lake Local Nature Reserve.
But it adds that the proposed development has the potential to bring community, social and economic impacts, these range from additional housing provision to an increased demand on community facilities and increased recreational opportunities via the enhanced sailing facilities.
The developers add that any mitigation measures are likely to come from financial contributions.
The district councillor for Theale, Alan Macro (Lib Dem), said that residents had raised concerns over whether the replacement bridge would be wide enough for two-way traffic.
Mr Macro also said that it would be a great shame to lose any green space around the lake
The site is not included in West Berkshire Council’s development plan document, which identifies preferred housing sites across the district.
Mr Macro said that the development could put pressure on Theale, given other earmarked housing sites in the area.
Floodline Development’s manager director, Justin Meredith, said: “While we acknowledge that we are not amongst the current draft proposed allocated development sites, we also recognise the real need that exists for homes in West Berkshire and considering the unique qualities of the site, we believe that Burghfield Park offers a chance to help the council with the delivery of new open market and affordable homes while also making critical improvements to local flood management and local road infrastructure as well as providing a new facility for the sailing club, which will improve its offer to the community.
“Before any application is made in the coming months, we’ll be holding another public exhibition as we’re keen to make sure the community has the chance to review and also provide feedback on our latest proposals.
“As soon as details for this event have been finalised, we’ll communicate them locally and we look forward to talking to residents about our innovative proposals shortly.”
