Wash Common residents object to Battery End scout hut site redevelopment as they fear hedge will be destroyed
Plans to knock down a disused scout hut and build a house in its place have been met with criticism from residents who want to protect a local hedge.
Prudential Properties has submitted an application to demolish the old Wash Common Scout Hut in Battery End and replace it with a two storey, four bedroom domestic dwelling.
Many Wash Commoners have objected to the planning application because they believe it could facilitate the destruction of a sizable hedge between the scout hut and Wash Common park.
The plans state that “the existing hedge boundaries will be retained as far as is practicable”, but objectors believe that the new property’s close proximity to the park boundary would make the hedge vulnerable.
A previous application called for the hedge to be ripped out completely and replaced with a fence, something residents fear could happen if the current plans are approved with no modifications.
Sally Miles said: “It does concern me that they plan to build further west than the existing scout hut building and I am not sure how the historic hedgerow would survive and I think it's an important part of the park perimeter.”
Many of the 20 plus objectors support the redevelopment of the old scout hut site, but just wish for the hedge to be protected as part of the redevelopment.
Brett Rogers said: “I fully support the use of the scout hall plot for housing however the hedge that forms the northwest boundary between the plot and the recreation park must be protected and maintained.”
West Berkshire Councillor David Marsh (Green, Wash Common) called in the planning application due to residents’ concerns over the hedge, meaning its fate will be decided by councillors at an upcoming western area planning committee.
He said: “Virtually everyone in Stuart Road, Charles Street and Battery End has raised an objection and I think they’re quite right to do so.
“You can’t just go tearing up hedges to make your garden bigger when you don’t even own the land.”
Mr Marsh noted the ecological significance of the hedge, and the historical significance of Wash Common park and the Civil War
However, like many objectors, the Wash Common councillor wasn’t against redevelopment of the site, calling the old scout hut an “eyesore”.
He hoped that “sense will prevail” in this case, and that the new building’s boundary will be moved so that the hedge will remain unscathed.
He added: “We’re only talking about a few feet. A very small distance in an easterly direction and then everyone will be happy.”
