Hundreds of residents are readying themselves for part two of their battle to stop 200 homes being built on a green field.
The site is home to horses and ponies at the moment.
Tonight (Thursday, November 3) protest groups are meeting to plan the next part of their campaign to stop the estate being built at Hurst between Tape Lane and Lodge Road, the B3030 Winnersh to Twyford Road.
Back in the summer, Wokingham Borough Council refused the homes planning permission. They said the plan would create: “a new unplanned large housing estate on a greenfield site in the countryside outside of settlement limits. It would be significantly out of scale with [the] neighbouring small village of Hurst.”
The applicants, Mactaggart & Mickel, have just revealed they are appealing against the council’s refusal.
Hurst Parish Council chairman Councillor Wayne Smith said the Say No! team, which includes people from Hurst Village Society, Protect Hurst Action Group and the parish council, is to discuss their approach and next steps.
“We will be calling on residents to support our campaign and help us bring to life our objections. Please contact me with any questions or if you would like to join the “Say No” team,” he said.
Residents and others who made comments about the homes planning application should have heard by yesterday (Nov 2) about the inquiry into the appeal. They will have been told those comments will be sent to the inquiry inspector.
“We have until November 30 to add any further information to strengthen our position,” added Councillor Smith.
Hurst Village Society says on its website: “All current information available can be viewed on the HVS website but WATCH THIS SPACE – YOUR VILLAGE NEEDS YOU!!”
The date set for the government planning inspector to start hear arguments from both sides has been set for January 31 next year at 10am. At the moment it is expected the inquiry will last eight days. A venue will be announced.
The appeal decision is expected on or before April 3 next year.
A free booklet, Guide to taking part in planning appeals proceeding by Inquiry, is available from the council or by visiting https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/taking-part-in-a-planning-listed-building-or-enforcement-appeal
