New homes proposed for East Garston

20 homes within area of outstanding natural beauty

PLANS are afoot to build 20 new homes in East Garston.

The proposed site is on land adjacent to Rogers Lane.

Applicant SPM Homes is, in its own words, “a small, privately-owned property development company focused on the construction of superb quality, prestigious and distinctive family homes”.

East Garston Parish Council has warned that it is minded to oppose the application.

The proposed scheme is for “up to 20 residential dwellings including eight affordable dwellings; a well-defined green corridor along Rogers Lane; a safe pedestrian access link from the public footpath through the development and to the bus stop on Hillside.”

The 1.2-hectare site comprises open countryside and falls within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

SPM Homes states: “This is a well-positioned plot of potential development land.

“It lies alongside the existing settlement boundary and would make an ideal extension to the village.”

The agent for the applicant, Hunter Page, adds: “The proposed development will incorporate a mix of housing types and tenures, including both market and affordable units to cater for the needs of the area. The proposal will respond to the context of the surrounding district and create a unique form of rural development that is rooted in this location.”

It says the proposed development will “retain all sensitive landscape features, in particular those visible from AONB; enhance the current approach to the village; strengthen existing wildlife corridors; improve the existing site boundaries; and introduce a permeable footpath linking through the development from the bus stop on Hillside to Rogers”.

The agent also acknowledges drawbacks, including potential impacts upon “the AONB setting and elevated views, including the Lambourn Valley Way National Trail, Circular Walk and footpath network”, potential impacts on the western village approach and on the fabric and character of the village, the views from nearby houses and changes of level across the site.

Hunter Page recently held a public consultation but parish council chairman Jonathan Rabbitts said he preferred not to comment publicly until a formal planning application is available for scrutiny. If you wish to participate in the consultation, comment forms can be downloaded from www.hunterpage.net/news/east-garston-public-exhibition

The agent states: “The comments received will play an important role in shaping the development proposals and the preparation of a formal planning application to be submitted to West Berkshire Council.”