Haysom's Drive playground saved from demolition

West Berkshire Council refuse application to remove Greenham playground

A GREENHAM playground that had been ear-marked for demolition despite calls to keep it, has had its application for removal turned down.

Last week West Berkshire Council decided to refuse permission for the playground at 10a Haysom’s Drive to be taken down after neighbours and councillors successfully argued that it was a local amenity still being used.

In its delegated report following the refusal case officers said that homeowners at the site were aware when buying the property of the play area and its ongoing maintenance.

Council officers said that no provision was proposed to replace the facilities and the play area still provides a valuable function in the area for children’s play.

The report said: “There can be no justification for the loss of the play area and so the application is accordingly recommended for rejection.”

In detailing the refusal, the head of planning and countryside, Gary Lugg, said that policy stated that the loss of green infrastructure could not be permitted unless a new facility of an equal or greater size and standard could replace the lost area.

“This is not proposed in this instance,” he said.

“In addition, the play area continues to provide a valuable function locally, and matters of private cost with regard to the ongoing upkeep of the area, is not a material planning issue.

“Finally the existing domestic curtilage of the applicant site, No.10A Haysoms Drive is not substandard.

“Accordingly the application is unacceptable.”