Hungerford Town Council gives thumbs up for plans for two new large houses

However, the decision to raise no objection was not unanimous.
And one near neighbour has accused the applicants of “garden grabbing.”
Environment and planning committee chairwoman Jean Hutchings said she was not in favour of the proposals because of objections raised by householder Alan Raxter of nearby Cottrell Close.
The site consists of the rear garden area of 4 Bath Road and the proposal is for the construction of two new, four bedroom houses with integral garages.
The existing home at the site would remain as it is.
Mr Raxter has registered a formal objection to the plans, stating: “Two healthy mature horse chestnut trees have already been removed in preparation for this application.
“Recently the existing property at 4 Bath road was extended, doubling the size and increasing the sewer output into pipes that pass through my property. This has already caused a blockage and I am concerned if this route is further used for two more properties it will further increase the prospects of this re-occurring.”
He added: “I have already witnessed an accident with a vehicle exiting the drive adjacent to No 4 and believe the addition of a proposed further eight vehicles plus support vehicles emerging onto the A4 at this point will be a danger to all road users and pedestrians..... I would like to know the policy of West Berkshire on ‘garden grabbing’ as this proposal obviously is.”
Applicant Mark Wilson, who lives in the existing home on the site, told committee members that trees on the site had been removed because they were infected with honey fungus - the most destructive fungal disease to infect UK gardens.
Mr Wilson told the meeting that the area “has been identified as suitable for redevelopment even though it’s outside the development area” and added: “I think this will improve the approach into Hungerford.”
Margaret Wilson remarked: “There’s ample room and it’s not overlooking anybody.”
Regarding the blocked sewer pipes, Mr Wilson claimed that this was down to blocked drains which he has subsequently had cleaned.
The committee voted overall not to raise a formal objection to the proposal, which will be decided by West Berkshire planners at later date.
Meanwhile comments, for or against, can be registered at West Berkshire Council website’s planning section by quoting reference 12/01982/FULD