Keep out signs on potential Thatcham development site spark concern

The Lower Way field has been identified as a preferred site for new housing in West Berkshire Council’s Development Plan Document, which states that approximately 87 homes could be built on the site.
Developer Persimmon Homes Thames Valley has taken control of the site, meaning it has expressed an interest in building on the field, which forms part of the Thatcham Moors Nature Reserve.
The land is owned by the Wallis Trust which has allowed residents, dog-walkers and ramblers access to the field for more than 30 years.
Concerned residents have formed action groups to fight the potential loss of the field, completing more than 200 letters of objection in a council-run consultation on new housing.
Former town mayor Allison Stevens said the signs were “inflammatory and antagonistic” as a decision on future housing sites had not been made yet.
Mrs Stevens added that she thought it was unfortunate that “barbed wire tactics” had been adopted and questioned whether the wire could be placed so close to public footpaths.
Chairman of the Lower Way Field Action Group, Brian Ruddock, who has been leading a campaign to establish public rights of way in the field, said that the restrictions should heighten Thatcham people’s awareness on the loss of a public open space, while asking what they were prepared to do about saving it.
West Berkshire Council recently announced that its shortlist of potential housing sites would go out for public consultation in autumn, nine months after it was due to be approved by members.
District councillor for Thatcham West Jeff Brooks (Lib Dem), who collected 2,400 signatures for a petition opposing development in the field, said: “It is disgraceful that the developers have taken this high-handed approach to effectively close the field to residents. It shows a decided lack of sensitivity and is unnecessary in this period where the Development Plan is being considered.
“I will continue to work with local people to voice their concerns and fight to ensure that we do not lose the Lower Way field.”
Planning officer at Persimmon Homes, James Matcham, told the Newbury Weekly News on Monday that technical surveys had been carried out in the field but the company was not about to submit a planning application.
Further questions about a timetable for a planning application, how the delayed DPD affected the developers and whether the signs and fencing at the field would be permanent went unanswered.
A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes, Sarah Dutton, said: “Land at Lower Way is one of a number of preferred sites identified by West Berkshire to help meet their future housing needs.
“The number of dwellings will ultimately be determined by the site’s constraints and further survey work is currently underway. We will share this information with local residents at a forthcoming public consultation exercise.”