Approved grain store plans welcomed by West Ilsley residents

West Berkshire Council has approved the addition of an on-floor grain store and four gas tanks at Folly Farm in West Ilsley.

Place Farm Partnership submitted an application in October seeking permission to construct a purpose-built store on the farm capable of meeting current consumer demands.

The proposed structure – capable of storing 2,000 tonnes of crops – has been welcomed by local residents and Newbury MP Laura Farris.

Each year, thousands of tonnes of crops are moved from the site to a neighbouring farm and later exported, resulting in a total of 130 tractor and trailer and 50 HGV lorry journeys passing through West Ilsley.

A central grain store would eliminate further travel disruptions in the village and on nearby roads by enabling vehicles direct access to the A34 from Folly Farm, claims BK Grain Handling Engineers.

All parties are satisfied to proceed with the proposal on the condition that the noise mitigation and sustainable drainage measures outlined in the acoustic assessment report and drainage strategy are maintained.

Also, the applicant is required to commission an archaeological survey while excavating the foundations to ensure any significant findings are properly recorded.

Local residents have praised the benefits the development will bring to the village.

"Reducing the number of vehicles passing through the village will have a positive impact by reducing noise and other inconvenience," said Richard Gore.

"The scheme is sympathetically proposed within its setting," added Newbury MP Laura Farris. "It seems to engage no unacceptable planning harms whilst also providing a number of wider benefits."

The farm's current holdings comprise a cattle building, a barn and a stable.