How Thatcham could change under the West Berkshire Local Plan — we asked for your thoughts

A public consultation about future housing in Thatcham under the revised West Berkshire Local Plan is now live.

The Labour Government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes nationally over the next five years, which means at least 9,270 more homes in West Berkshire by 2041.

And Thatcham is due to take the brunt, after the government planning inspector told the council to find room for 2,500 homes in the northeast of the town – up from 1,500 – together with 270 homes on land at Henwick Park, east of the Regency Park Hotel.

The issue has divided councillors and residents perhaps more than any other issue on the local agenda.

The video below shows where the lion’s share of the housing will be going in Thatcham.

What are your memories of this area? And do you agree houses should be built here? Let us know your thoughts at newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk

Here is what some of you already told us.

Some welcomed the proposal in principle, recognising the need for more affordable homes, particularly for younger people.

But others raised concerns about the large population increase, flood risks, poorly built homes, increased traffic along the A4 corridor, the impact on the natural environment as well as the strain on existing infrastructure and sewer networks.

Deputy prime minister and secretary of state for housing, communities and local government Angela Rayner previously stated more infrastructure would be needed to match the amount of housing being built.

But this is not the case in Thatcham, apparently.

Senior regional officer for the National Education Union Nick Childs discussed the impact of future housing on education within the town, which currently accommodates one secondary school and five primary schools.

“Whilst in many parts of the country pupil rolls are falling, the West Berkshire plan means that schools in the area risk being oversubscribed,” he told newburytoday.

“Any new large scale property development must also include provision for local schools either through expansion of existing sites or the opening of new ones.

“We call on the council to ensure that any planning process takes account of this.

“The situation is not helped by the fact that the local authority does not have the power to manage admissions in academy schools nor open new schools thanks to Tory education legislation.

“We need central government to grant local councils the power to open new schools where there is a need and manage admissions for all schools in their area.”

Guillermo Marin Saborido, owner of Thatcham Pharmacy, said he is fairly confident his business can meet the increased demand brought by further housing, but added he would like to see more essential services built in the town.

“We anticipate the future and where Thatcham is moving. More services will be needed,” he said.

“We wish we could offer the great service we offer here in a bigger space, and the only way forward we thought of was to have another pharmacy in the area.

“Now with the new houses being built, it’s a matter of time before that will have to happen. The demand will go up and up.

“At the moment our service is pretty robust but, of course, we don’t know where things are going to take us in the next five years.”

While this larger housing development will mean more funds for the cash-strapped district council, it is not yet certain how much council tax revenue it will generate and how this will be invested back in Thatcham.

The eight-week public consultation runs from December 6 until January 31, 2025.

Submit your comments on the plans to planningpolicy@westberks.gov.uk or by post to: Planning Policy Team, Development and Housing, West Berkshire District Council, Market Street, Newbury, RG14 5LD.

And as always, send your views to newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk