Underwood Road plans approved
Laura Routledge • Published 25 Aug 2011 09:03
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SIGHS of relief and applause echoed around a hall in Calcot when a long-running scheme to replace a derelict shopping precinct with 39 houses got the go ahead last night (Wednesday).
Bellway Homes' application to replace Underwood Road shopping centre with two, three and four-bedroom houses, and two apartments, was approved by West Berkshire Council after a two year battle with the developers who scrapped initial proposals for an "ugly" four-storey block of flats after hundreds of neighbours complained it was out-of-character, and the council rejected the plans in December.
Last night's 60-minute eastern area planning meeting at the Calcot Centre raised concerns about a surge in traffic, a strain on places at nearby schools, including Kennet Valley School and Little Heath, and a lack of affordable homes in the plans, but Marius Hopley, who has lived opposite Underwood Road for 16 years and spoke out against the previous plans, said: "These are plans that will bring 39 new families into the community and will actually enhance the area."
Cllr Mary Bedwell, chairman of Holybrook Parish Council, also told the audience of 30 neighbours and council planners about the parish council's plans to set up a volunteer-run shop to solve the loss of a retail unit in Bellway's proposals - something which many neighbours had voiced concerns about.
Speaking after the meeting, Reading West MP, Alok Sharma, said: "I applaud West Berkshire Council for their common sense approach in approving this application which will result in a development in keeping with the local area and finally restore a site which has been an eyesore for years. I have had an opportunity to work on this issue with some of the local residents, like Marius Hopley, Elaine Rosier and Alan Jewell, who have all campaigned so hard to deliver a development which makes sense for the local community and I take my hat off to them for their perseverance."
He added: "One of the issues which some local residents have raised with me is the lack of a local shop and post office as part of the new development but Holybrook Parish Council Chairman Mary Bedwell and Deputy Chairman Claire Tull have been working incredibly hard to see if a community shop facility can be delivered. Discussions are underway with key stakeholders and I have been very happy to provide support as the local MP where required."
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 25 Aug 11
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