A second scheme to build 33 custom and self-build homes on a green field has been proposed – even though the first one was refused permission a year ago.
This time the developers are proposing that 17 of the 33 homes at Broadcommon Road, Hurst, should be ‘affordable’ ones. Last time 14 were suggested.
Wokingham Borough Council, which will decide whether to give planning permission for the second scheme, has invited the public to give their views on it. The deadline for this is February 15.
The council said that the first plan would mean development encroaching on the countryside. It also said the site was not at a convenient walking distance to facilities and services, public transport and schools. This would mean residents depending on cars, increasing carbon emissions.
They also had concerns about great crested newts, bats, reptiles and nesting birds and loss of agricultural land.
In the second proposal, just put forward, Leaper Land says it has given replies to the council’s reasons for refusal last time. They say that the extra affordable homes give significant weight in any judgment over whether the scheme’s benefits outweigh its harmful impacts.
And they say there are more details about the potential impact on newts, bats and birds, “none of which are likely to be affected by the scheme.” The proposed planting and hedgerow improvements along with the new wetland area would bring about biodiversity gains.
They say they show how the development’s residents will not be reliant on car use. A new footpath has been suggested. A row of semi-detached cottages has replaced an apartment block.
Details of the new plan number 223805 can be found at https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning
