A planning appeal was set to open this morning (Tuesday) to debate plans for 148 homes in Three Mile Cross.
The secretary of state for housing, communities and local government called in a planning appeal for the plans for 148 homes close to the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Burghfield.
The proposal – which was refused by Wokingham Borough Council in August 2024 – would result in an increased residential population in the detailed emergency planning zone which surrounds the AWE facility.
Objections to the proposals were made by the Ministry of Defence and the Office of Nuclear Regulation, which are participating in the appeal.
In calling in the appeal for her determination, the secretary of state described the proposal as “.. giving rise to substantial regional or national controversy” and cited the “.. major objections” and “.. major interest” of the Ministry of Defence in the outcome of the appeal.
The plans by Wates Development are for homes on land east of Hayes Drive North in Three Mile Cross.
Wokingham Borough Council had refused the initial plans for a number of reasons.
In its refusal notice, it said: “The proposal represents inappropriate development outside of development limits within the countryside, and on land not identified for development within the spatial framework plan for the South of the M4 Supplementary Planning document.
“It would have a detrimental impact on the landscape and character/appearance of the area by reason of the loss of an open green space in the countryside.
“It has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority that there would not be harm to trees (including veteran trees), which contribute to the character of the area,
“It has not been adequately demonstrated that the location of the proposed development can be safely accommodated having regard to the needs of Blue light services and the emergency off-site plan for the Atomic Weapons Establishment site at Burghfield, which would increase the likelihood of significant effects affecting human health.”
The application, which was first submitted in December 2023, had also received a large number of objections from local residents.
