Network Rail objects to Thatcham climbing centre plans

Donnington-based Chris Strang Associates has applied to turn a warehouse to an indoor climbing centre on behalf of Reach Indoor Climbing Gym Ltd.
If approved, the climbing centre will be installed at unit six at the Station Road Industrial Estate in Station Road.
The facility will be open to the public and will include two climbing areas.
Thatcham Town Council has raised no objections to the plans, however, Network Rail has raised objections.
Town planning technician for Network Rail, Barbara Morgan, said: “After consultation with our level crossing manager; Network Rail objects to this application in its current form, due to the safety implications associated with the increase in traffic over the level crossing.
“This proposal will inevitably increase traffic over the level crossing; will increase the traffic congestion in the locality and the potential for weaving around the barriers.
“The increased use of this level crossing cannot be looked upon favourably by Network Rail and some form of mitigation would be justified to reduce our safety concerns.”
She added though that Network Rail would be likely to withdraw its objection if an acceptable solution could be found regarding potential safety issues associated with the increased use of the level crossing.
However, one supporter of the application is Newbury resident, Benjamin Johnson, who said: “Any planning application for additional sport, leisure and recreation facilities within West Berkshire is to be encouraged in the context of, in my opinion, gross current under-provision.”
He said that having visited the facility in Reading on several occasions, he found it to be a very successful and popular venture with very little impact on surroundings.
A date of December 10 has been set for a final decision by West Berkshire Council.