Unauthorised development spotted on Thatcham's Lawrences Lane Stables

Developers have moved into former stables on Lawrences Lane, Thatcham, and began construction work without planning permission at the weekend.

A large number of workmen were spotted by worried neighbours on Friday evening, bringing in machinery and equipment.

The men worked on the site all weekend and erected large fences as well as laying concrete bases, cornering off sections of the land.

It was reported by nearby residents that they have also tapped into mains water and electric.

Thatcham Town Council leader David Lister (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) said: "I'm shocked at the scale of the unauthorised development that is continuing in the countryside to the north of Thatcham and share the concerns of all residents.”

One nearby resident said: “There is no planning permission for any of this work and the amount of disruption and intimidation being caused by this work is awful.

“We as residents are powerless to stop them.”

Mr Lister added: “Unauthorised development has adverse impact on infrastructure, draining, flooding, environment and pollution and I look to West Berkshire Council as the responsible authority to act promptly to bring this to a halt, and reverse the damage made to this rural area.

“The emergency procedures of West Berkshire Council clearly need to be made fit for purpose and they need to reflect on their failings of the last weekend.”

West Berkshire Council has been made aware of the development and said: “We are aware of complaints of unauthorised development taking place on Lawrence’s Lane, Thatcham, over the course of the weekend.

“This matter is currently being investigated as a priority, and we can confirm that the council will take appropriate enforcement action to address any breaches of planning control identified at the site.”

Lee Dillon (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East) has said there has been communication between West Berkshire and Thatcham Town Council.

He said: “I had a meeting with the deputy leader of the council and all the senior officers.

“It’s not a town council issue at all, it is a planning issue.”

The Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman for Newbury made a visit to the site and tried to speak with the workman. He said: “We need to take on board the welfare of those on the site as well as our residents.”

Mr Dillon added that there will be a leaflet drop for residents to clear up any confusion and inform them of what is going on.

The stables have been empty for around four years and there have been two planning applications to turn the barn into a house.

The applicant’s agent, Ian Sullivan, said that he was unaware a development was taking place.

He said: “I know nothing about that. Clients don’t always contact us. We are just the architects.”

A nearby farmer has expressed her concern that some residents are confusing the site as hers following images shared of the location on social media.