West Berkshire Council issue stop order on unauthorised development at Lawrences Lane

West Berkshire Council has made an official visit to Lawrences Lane in Thatcham and has issued a order on the unauthorised development work there.

Neighbouring residents have raised concerns with the noise and anti-social behaviours that have emerged since the work begun.

Thatcham Town Council have offered local residents points of contact for these issues.

West Berkshire Council said there will also be an increase in police presence around the area.

The official site visit took place between a council planning officer, traveller liaison officer and Thames Valley Police to carry out a number of investigative actions.

Workmen began conducting unauthorised developments at Lawrences Lane at the weekend, causing confusion and concern among neighbouring residents.

A large number of workmen were spotted by worried locals on Friday evening, bringing in machinery to begin construction work.

Concerns with noise and disturbance were brought up by nearby families.

The council said an investigation into the matter began over the weekend and continues to be explored.

It said that a planning application was submitted for this site late on Friday, August 13, but it is yet to be validated and processed.

West Berkshire Council executive member for planning, transport and countryside, Richard Somner (Con, Tilehurst South and Holybrook) said: “I want to reassure residents who have raised concerns about the site at Lawrences Lane that we have been and are continuing the investigation of this matter as a priority and we will take appropriate enforcement action to address breaches of planning control identified at the site.

“Alongside the planning element, we also need to ensure that as a council we are fulfilling our responsibility in all respects and this includes housing and social welfare of those who are on the site.”

Lee Dillon (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East) said: "There’s clearly a breach of planning regulations. We would expect for the land to be put back to its original state."

Mr Dillon said that he is engaging in discussions with West Berkshire Council and providing feedback to Thatcham Town Council in an aim to keep everybody informed.

The council said it aims to find out what developments have taken place, who is in charge of the works, who is on site to determine if residential use has started, and what the intentions are of the owners of the site in regards to seeking all appropriate permissions.

It also plans to begin an initial assessment of the environmental impact of the development – looking at the landscape, visual impact, residential amenity impact, access and highway safety.

Mr Somner said: “I can appreciate it has been an unsettling time for those who are close by to Lawrences Lane.

"We are working with all partner organisations to ensure our investigations gather all relevant evidence so that we can determine what development has gone on without the benefit of the necessary permissions and work together to halt further unauthorised activity.”

The site has previously undergone planning applications for a change of use from a self-service livery stable to a single dwelling and another to form a live/work unit. Both applications were rejected.

Any anti-social behaviour should be reported to Thames Valley Police. Use the non-emergency 101 number for situations that do not require an immediate police response or their online form https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk.

Only call 999 in an emergency if a crime is taking place or immediate danger.

For noise disturbances, contact Environmental Health at Public Protection Partnership on (01635) 503242 or email ehadvice@westberks.gov.uk

For all other matters contact West Berkshire Council (Building Communities Together Team) on 07881 856801 or email westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk

Residents are also welcome to contact the town council to inform it of non-urgent issues, concerns or reports of problems at enquiries@thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk

The council will collate these and progress them with the relevant authority.