Pincents Hill appeal dismissed

An appeal by Beyond Green Development over proposals to build 750 homes at Pincents Hill has been dismissed

ROLLING fields and pastures in Tilehurst will remain unspoiled after the Government dismissed an appeal to overturn refusal of planning permission to build 750 homes on greenfield land in the suburb.

Last Wednesday, June 29, the Department for Communities and Local Government and Planning Inspectorate rejected an appeal by Beyond Green Development against West Berkshire Council's decision to throw out its proposals to build 750 homes at Pincents Hill.

The decision signalled triumph for campaigners and councillors who had waged a war of attrition against developer Beyond Green, formerly Blue Living, since 2008.

Inspectors felt the proposals, while admirable in their intent to provide affordable housing, would cause “substantial harm” to the open countryside.

The chairwoman of the Save Calcot Action Group, Joan Lawrie, who has fought to preserve the area since the very beginning, said it was brilliant news for the local residents.

Her views were backed by the chairwoman of Tilehurst Parish Council, Jean Gardner, who expressed her relief on behalf of residents.

Reading West MP Alok Sharma also welcomed the decision and said it was a clear victory for localism.

“I want to pay tribute to all the local residents, especially the chairman of SCAG Joan Lawrie, who have worked so hard and with such great determination to fight off Blue Living's unwelcome development plans,” he said.

“Quite simply this was the wrong development in the wrong place and I hope this puts an end to any plans, by anyone to build on Pincents Hill.”

West Berkshire Council has said the result vindicates its decision to spurn the plans initially.

The executive member for planning, Alan Law (Con, Basildon), said he was satisfied with the result because it “aligns with the wishes of the vast majority of local people”.

“Furthermore, it's gratifying that the Government appointed inspector, and the Secretary of State have both agreed that our reasons for refusing this development are sound.”

Despite years of effort to make a workable project, the chairman of Beyond Green, Jonathan Smales, said he was “deeply disappointed” by the decision.

Beyond Green submitted an application for 750 homes as part of a sustainable village in 2009, and the development was also earmarked in West Berkshire Council's consultation for its Local Development Framework (LDF) as a site for future affordable homes.

Alongside the homes it would have included shops, a restaurant and a hotel.

Fierce opposition greeted the proposal as politicians and residents joined forces, and 1,500 letters of objection soon followed.

The site was dumped from the LDF, West Berkshire Council's eastern area planning committee rejected the proposals last year, leading the firm to lodge an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate which led to a public inquiry in February this year.