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"Save my house" plea falls on deaf ears




Council votes to demolish historic Newbury almshouses for affordable homes

THE demolition of four distinctive 1920s almshouses in Newbury will go ahead despite a last-minute plea by residents who urged councillors “save my house, please”.

The almshouses at Mill Lane will now make way for 16 one- and two-bedroom affordable housing apartments, after councillors voted their support for the application at a West Berkshire Council planning meeting last Wednesday.

The proposal to build the new homes was brought forward by The Charity of Mrs Mabel Luke who originally purchased the land in 1928, stipulating that they be used to provide homes for the needy in Newbury and Greenham on her death.

The current residents made an impassioned plea to councillors to block the move to demolish the houses at last week’s planning meeting.

One resident, Mrs Sheralyn Sheldon, said: “When we were given our cottage it was for life. If I had known then what I know now I wouldn’t have taken it.

“They should leave us alone in our little homes and build a few flats somewhere else. I am a Newbury girl and this is Newbury’s history. Save my house, please.”

Fellow objector Ms Trudie Thomson added: “Please don’t disregard the fact that these are homes for people.”

Hilary Cole (Con, Chieveley) answered: “I do understand your point of view, but I also understand that the charity is willing to relocate [the residents].”

Mrs Sheldon then burst out: “ [The charity] doesn’t care about us, it hasn’t offered any support at all. I’ve had no help whatsoever and I’m going to be chucked on the rubbish heap.”

Anthony Pick (Con, St Johns), who was the only council member objecting to the proposal, raised questions over how the development might affect the character of the town.

He said: “It’s a part of Newbury’s heritage.

“These were intended for working families and for that reason they were given three bedrooms each, and this proposal is for between one and two bedrooms. Therefore it’s designed for a different clientèle.

“This is a very attractive example of 1920s architecture and it will be replaced by a building that is an example of this decade, and I think we should carefully consider retaining a building of that period which is, in my opinion, quite distinctive of that period of Newbury’s development.”

The appeals fell on deaf ears, however, and Hilary Cole said: “Whilst I understand the very real concerns of residents of these almshouses I have to say, from an affordable housing point of view and with what the charity is trying to achieve, it ticks all of the boxes.

“The nearby derelict land also needs to be developed – it’s really within walking distance to the town centre.”

Planning officer Michael Butler said: “It ticks all of the boxes and our chances of resisting an appeal would be virtually zero.

“Officers realise that the loss of any heritage in Newbury is clearly regrettable but that is not in our view a reason to refuse it.

“The development is entirely acceptable.”

He added: “Officers do have considerable sympathy with the residents.”

In proposing the motion to approve the plans Jeff Beck (Con, Clay Hill) said: “Councillors have to take difficult decisions against the wishes of the community, in the interest of the future community in the area.

“This is a very good example of that and I propose that we accept officer’s recommendations.”

The vote was passed by a majority.



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