Thatcham "eyesore" given go-ahead for re-development

West Berkshire Council has recently approved the redevelopment of 29 High Street into three ground floor retail units and 13 residential flats.
Twelve of the flats will be one-bedroom and one will be two bedroom.
The building is the former ATS tyre and exhaust centre and has been empty and up for sale since 2011.
Five years ago Newbury-based Blue Sky Apartments was given permission to develop the site. However, the recession led to years of delays, and the project never got off the ground.
The site was sold to P and R Partnership, who in March, applied for the re-development project.
Shopkeepers also signed a petition, started by the firm, to encourage planners to give the application the green light.
Many have long complained about the state of the building, particularly about the infestation of pigeons – an issue which Thatcham Town Council has been attempting to deal with over the past couple of months.
The development also received a few letters of support with residents says that if approved it would encourage employment and improve the appearance of the site and the character of the area.
Leader of Thatcham Town Council, Lee Dillon, said: “‘I am delighted that this eyesore will soon be removed from our High Street, the council often received comments about it but was unable to act as it was in private ownership
“This new development should also help reduce the amount of pigeons in the town centre as this was where a lot of the nests are.
“The Broadway has in recent times seen new shops start up and hopefully with this development improving the look of the High Street we will also see an increase in business at this end of the town centre. “
He added: “It is great to see local business owners also speak up for wanting this development, with residents, the council and local business working together we can keep making positive improvements to our town.”