Plans approved in Tilehurst - but the layout has to change to stop anti-social behaviour

Plans for four new homes on one of the few remaining patches of green space in Tilehurst have been approved.

The development off Linnett Way was nodded through, but fears over the resulting use of the remaining open space could still block it.

Residents fear the layout of the new homes would encourage antisocial behaviour, with the developer, the council and the parish council all apparently not keen on taking on the management of it.

Other residents feared the extra traffic generated would be dangerous.

“It is only a matter of time before there is a serious or even fatal accident,” said objector Carly Baldwin at the West Berkshire Council eastern area planning committee. “This development would make an already unsafe situaton far worse.”

The developer’s agent Rebecca Hoad also spoke up at the meeting.

“This is not designated as open space, and brings a disused piece of land back into use,” she said, adding that applicant has offered to manage the area with a private contractor if the parish council doesn’t want to take it on.

Three previous planning appeals on refused applications were lost on the same site, and the fears of more antisocial behaviour, as seen at parish council land near Foxcombe Drive, were cited by local councillor Clive Taylor.

“If this application is approved then lockable gates should be installed,” he said.

But the council planing officer Simon Till said such a move would be costly, with someone having to open and close the gates each day, and added that it was unlikely the council will take responsbility for the space.

The plans were approved if the layout of the houses is revised, and a plan put forward to manage the open land in question, otherwise council officers will reject the scheme.