Compton Neighbourhood Development Plan passed after landslide referendum victory

Compton’s neighbourhood development plan (NDP) will be put in motion after last night’s (Thursday) referendum saw the village vote overwhelmingly in support of the proposal.

The referendum saw a high turnout of 48.9% of Compton’s residents voting, with 588 votes in favour of the plan and only nine against being recorded.

The plan, which dictates Compton’s development up until 2037, will see the re-development of the former Pirbright Institute site, a restriction on developing in open countryside, and the conservation of green areas around the village.

A volunteer from Compton’s NDP Chris Smith said: “We are very pleased and delighted to have captured what the people of Compton want in a plan that was overwhelmingly supported at last night’s referendum.”

Ridgeway councillor Carolyne Culver (Green) said: “Congratulations to the people of Compton.

“I'm really proud of them for working so hard to create the plan and get it approved with such a strong turnout.

“The plan will strengthen local residents' voices in planning decisions.”

The Pirbright site could now be redeveloped to accommodate the building of 140 new homes, which could bring around 360 more people into the village and increase Compton’s population by more than 20%.

The site will also contain units for businesses, community spaces and protected green areas.

A key part of the redevelopment will be the retention and refurbishment of a student hostel complex into one and two bedroom homes.

The plan will also ensure that improvements would be made to the village’s infrastructure to manage flood risks and incorporate better equipped drainage systems to Compton’s streets.

The Compton Institute planning application will be discussed by West Berkshire Council on Wednesday, February 23 where the NDP will now be taken into consideration.