More homes for Lower Way in Thatcham despite objections

Nearly 100 new homes are to be built at Lower Way in Thatcham.

The plans were given the go ahead in an eastern area planning committee in January last year, subject to a legal agreement.

The plans were officially approved by West Berkshire Council last week following its completion.

Dozens of people objected, saying it was unthinkable building houses on the site, which they say is of natural beauty and used by many locally.

"This is not appropriate for Thatcham, and will stress even more local services, and will affect the quality of the local environment," said former environmental protection officer Alex Solaja.

"The local primary school will be affected by more air pollution, which will affect the children's health.

"Especially children with asthma and other respiratory illnesses."

The applicant is seeking to make 'efficient use' of the land by providing 97 new homes and 39 of these will be affordable.

There will be six two-bed houses, 39 three-bed houses and 13 four-bed houses.

The developer plans to cluster the affordable homes together, with promises of 12 one-bed flats, eight two-bed flats, seven two-bed houses, 10 three-bed houses and two four-bed houses on the 'affordable' list.

The developer estimates an extra 233 people will live at the site.

It said increased school capacity will be funded through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments, adding that the development may place a greater demand on GP services and 'is likely to prompt their expansion'.

Other objectors cited more traffic, and the visual impact of the scheme not being appropriate.

"Before adding new houses you need to sort out the infrastructure first, ie doctors, schools, dentists where are these new people going to go to get these necessities?" said Katherine Mannering.

"The residents in Thatcham now are having difficulties getting appointments for these things so adding more people, more houses it's going to put more of a strain on the community."