Unknown fate of Lawrences Lane development rumbles on as inquiry adjourned

An inquiry into the unauthorised development of a travellers site in Thatcham has been adjourned.

The Lawrences Lane inquiry began in early December at the West Berkshire Council offices.

Various parties are able to make representations under a Rule 6 Statement of Case, at relevant stages, with one being Thatcham Town Council.

The town council's planning and highways chairman Simon Pike was in attendance and was due to make comments.

Town council leader Lee Dillon and deputy leader David Lister also preprepared statements outlining their experience with the development from the moment it began to its immediate and current impact on residents.

Natural England spent time discussing ecological impacts of the development looking at the effect it would pose on existing protected wildlife.

However, the inquiry was cut short as discussions began – between representatives and experts – on the topic of drainage.

The appellants requested the adjournment to provide more drainage matter information.

In a recent planning and highways meeting Mr Pike said the inspector of the inquiry suggested that the evidence presented was insufficient for him to be able to grant an appeal.

The West Berkshire Council planning team said: "The public inquiry APP/W0340/W/22/3292211: Land at Lawrences Lane in Thatcham has been adjourned at the request of the appellants to provide further information in regards to drainage matters.

"The parties will work together on agreeing a date for when the inquiry will resume and notifications issued when agreed."

A date for the continuation of the inquiry has not yet been set.