A government inquiry has launched this week into plans for 99 homes on land in Hurst.
A group of local residents gathered in the council chamber at Wokingham borough council’s Shute End headquarters on Tuesday morning for the start of the enquiry lead by planning inspector Guy Davies, which is timetabled to last for three weeks,
Nick Wilson, planning lead of the New Hurst Village Society, told Wokingham Today: “The planning inspectorate is currently examining an appeal by Mctaggart and Mickel Strategic Land against Wokingham borough council’s refusal for a planning application, which sought permission for up to 99 homes on land between Lodge Road and Tape Lane in Hurst.
“I want to be clear that our group recognises the need for more housing, particularly affordable homes, in Wokingham borough.
“We understand the council faces shortage in its five-year housing land supply, and that new homes must be delivered to meet national and local targets.
“However, we strongly believe that the scale and location of this proposal make it the wrong scheme for Hurst.
“The appeal site lies outside the defined settlement boundary, in open countryside, and is classified as a ‘limited development location’.
“The infrastructure in and around the village, from school plans to GP services, public transport, and local roads, is already stretched to capacity.
“Our case is that the adverse impact on existing and future residents of Hurst clearly outweigh the benefits, especially when there are more suitable, more sustainable sites closer to larger settlements with existing services and transport links.”
