Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Sandleford developer hits back at council criticism




Bloor Homes insist 2,000 home development can work with two access roads rather than four

ONE of the Sandleford Park developers has responded to criticism from West Berkshire Council highways team over its traffic mitigation proposals.

The team had blasted Bloor Homes Southern’s application, saying the proposals were flawed and describing the traffic surveys as out of date. It also questioned the developer’s claims that the development would work with two access roads rather than four.

This week Bloor Homes insisted the scheme could work with two accesses on to Monks Lane. Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News, a spokesman for Bloor Homes, Daniel Hayman, said: “With the mitigation measures proposed, Bloor Homes Southern is content that the development can take place with two accesses and the technical reports which have been submitted show this.”

The developer also brushed aside claims that it hadn’t engaged in pre-application discussions with the council, saying: “Bloor Homes Southern held extensive discussions with the council in 2014 and 2015 and information was provided to the council at various stages.

“With over 3,000 pages of technical information now submitted regarding highways, we will continue dialogue with officers and make any amends accordingly.”

With regard to the council’s claim that having two developers involved could provide uncertainty on the delivery of the entire scheme and the associated infrastructure, Mr Hayman said: “The number of developers involved would not impact how infrastructure will be provided.

“This will be controlled by planning condition or legal agreement and will apply to anyone developing within the application area.”

In the council’s highly critical response to Bloor’s application, it says that the developer has not cooperated with regard to providing an access on to the A339 – something the developer denies.

Mr Hayman said: “Bloor Homes Southern has been working with West Berkshire Council to assist in the delivery of an access from the A339 and will continue to do so. Further details will be agreed as application discussions continue.”

The council has now recommended that Bloor provides more detailed plans of mitigation before it can consider approving the application.

Mr Hayman said: “We will work closely with officers of West Berkshire Council on highways and transport matters with a view to reaching an acceptable position for both parties. This initial response from West Berkshire Highways officers is the first step in a formal process of discussions during the consideration of the planning application.”



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More