Nuclear technology centre approved despite protests

About 40 anti nuclear weapons protesters attended last night’s (Weds)planning meeting

A TECHNOLOGY development centre will be built at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), Aldermaston, after councillors approved the plans last night (Wednesday).

AWE's proposals to build a development centre for research and development into x-ray and other diagnostic techniques prompted 295 letters of objection to West Berkshire Council.

Many objectors attended a meeting of the Eastern Area Planning Committee in Calcot last night, at which councillors unanimously supported the application.

Ward member for Aldermaston, Irene Neill (Conservative), who supported the application, said: “This replaces the commission for a much larger building; therefore the impact will be much less. The landscaping will make it even less visible.”

When councillors made their decision about 40 protestors, many of whom were wearing gags over their mouths, stood up and turned their backs to the committee.

Many objectors claimed there has been no proper consultation with the general public about the plans, and said information about the risks it could pose to public safety and environment have not been disclosed.

District planning officers recommended councillors support the application for the 4250 sq metre building to replace last year's approved application to build a hydrodynamic research facility, which would have been 16,907 sq metres.

For more on this story, including pictures of the protestors, read next week's Newbury Weekly News.