Concerns over new homes in Hungerford
PLANS to build four new homes in Hungerford have prompted concern.
As previously reported, applicant Sir Edward Troup wants to build the two-storey homes on land to the west of Everland Road.
A design and access statement prepared on his behalf states: “There is clearly a substantial demand for good quality family homes in the area and the provision of the proposed dwellings will help to address that need.”
But one person, who asked for their identity to be withheld, has written to West Berkshire planners to register their "strong objection".
The letter states: "I feel the plans for four new dwellings on this site are wholly inappropriate.
"This is a beautiful site, an arboretum of trees in a beautiful spot in an historic town.
"The trees in the centre of any town make a valuable contribution to air quality.
"With this land being just off the High Street and the High Street being very residential I believe we need more trees and less houses."
The letter goes on to express concerns about extra traffic generation.
It also states: "These dwellings are not only not in keeping with the area, it is also an overdevelopment of the site.
"I think any building on this site would be an overdevelopment though."
If allowed, the objection continues, the development "will change the face of this area forever".
It concludes: "The site runs along side the Kennet and Avon Canal which will be visually impacted by this development.
"The canal is the jewel in the crown of Hungerford."
A nearby resident, Neil Haines, has also written to planners stating: "I am assuming that Everland Road (from the level crossing down to the footbridge) is a public highway.
"As this road is proposed as access to the new project, is there any proposal to improve the condition and structure of this road prior to any new building near the site?"
However, the design and access statement states: “The proposed development will have a positive economic benefit to the local community and businesses at this time ... the proposed development causes no harm, and brings many potential benefits to the local community and it is hoped will be positively encouraged and supported by the local planning authority.”
Hungerford Town Council’s environment and planning committee was due to consider the matter as this newspaper went to press.
Meanwhile, the application can be viewed in full, and commented on, by visiting the planning section of West Berkshire Council’s website and using the reference 21/01025/FUL.
