Government overrules West Berkshire Council on Sandleford new homes development

The Government has said the controversial Sandleford housing development in Newbury of around 1,000 homes can go ahead.

Planning permission for the scheme will now be granted, unless the decision is challenged in the High Court in the next six weeks.

Bloor Homes and Sandleford Homes Partnership appealed against West Berkshire Council refusing its scheme to build the homes off Monks Lane last year.

Minister of state for housing Stuart Andrew MP made the decision on behalf of the secretary of state.

Sandleford has long been mired in controversy and has been met with fierce opposition from campaigners.

The council cited 14 reasons for refusing Bloor’s latest application.

The development will see around 1,000 new homes and 80 extra care housing units as part of the affordable housing provision and a new two form entry primary school .

Park House School could be expanded, and a new open space including a new country park will be laid out along with drainage infrastructure; walking and cycling paths.

Plans to build homes at Sandleford have been in the pipeline for more than a decade, ever since West Berkshire Council identified it as a preferred site for housing in 2010.