Plans emerge for new dwellings in Newbury town centre

Ressance Limited, based in Bartholomew Street, Newbury, has applied for planning permission to demolish one detached dwelling and a pair of semi detached houses between 18 and 22 Rockingham Road to build the nine meter flats.
Newbury Town Council’s planning and highways committee unanimously supported the application at a meeting at the town hall on Monday night, but concerns were raised about the perceived lack of parking at the proposed development, with 14 bays for 14 dwellings.
However director of Ressance Limited, Duncan Crook said there was no room for extra parking spaces.
“I would like to have an extra six parking spaces but that would impact on green spaces and we’re restricted by planning policy.
“The design is to complete the street scene. The building will sit next to two other buildings that were built in 2007. There will be compatibility between all three buildings,” he added.
Member for Northcroft Kim Hodges (Lib Dem) said: “I’m uncomfortable about 14 parking spaces for 14 flats but the developer has made room for cycle spaces and there’s good access to the site.
“The development fits in with the redevelopment that’s already taken place either side of the plot in question.”
Julian Swift-Hook also expressed his disappointment at the lacking of parking bays, but added: “The other side of the coin is that it’s a town centre location so it’s sustainable. Hopefully the parking problems won’t be exacerbated.”
West Berkshire Council is expected to make a decision on the application by June 22.