Inspector upholds Thatcham 'gateway' appeal

The application was for 10 two bedroom flats and two one bedroom flats at 139 and 141 Bath Road.
The site is located at the junction of Bath Road and Henwick Lane and the application was submitted by Renaissance Habitat Limited.
Currently on the site is a pair of semi detached houses.
Thatcham Town Council objected to the application, on grounds which included that it would be over-development of the site, out of keeping with the setting and character of the entrance to Thatcham, impact on highways safety and a lack of private amenity space.
West Berkshire Council also refused the application as the new building would back too closely onto the existing properties and this would result in a loss of light to the rear kitchen window.
However, the inspector, David Barnes, disagreed and approved the application.
In his report he said: “The contributions to open pace, healthcare, library and transport improvements, are judged to be necessary and directly related to the proposed development, and are necessary to make it acceptable in planning terms.
“Although local residents have raised concerns about highway safety and the adequacy of off-street car parking provision it is noted that the highway authority has not objected to the appeal scheme.”
District councillor and ward member, Keith Woodhams (Lib Dem, Thatcham West), said that he was disappointed with the decision of the inspector.
He said: “I think in particular we felt that as it was the gateway to the town we wanted something prestigious to give people the right image as they approach Thatcham.
“We have an open space next to it and people would be looking back at the development.
“We felt that we wanted something that was impressive.
“We wanted something we would be proud of but instead we are getting a block of flats.”
He added: “This was an opportunity to enhance the gateway to Thatcham, with a design that we could all be proud of.
“Instead we will end up with a dominant block of flats totally out of character with the area.
“The community voiced their strong opinion against this style of development at this location and I am very disappointed with the decision of the government inspector to give the go ahead.”