A second scheme to build 33 custom and self-build homes on a green field in a narrow lane has been turned down.
A new estate could mean the loss of an irreplaceable ridge and furrow field which may be nationally important, said Wokingham Borough Council.
Refusing planning permission, the council said Leaper Land, who applied for the go-ahead, had not given detail about the ridge and furrow field in Broadcommon Road, Hurst.
The first plan for 33 homes was turned down over a year ago. This time the developers were proposing that 17 of the 33 homes should be ‘affordable’ ones. Last time 14 were suggested.
Hurst Village Society, the parish council and many residents objected to the plans. The society said the proposed scheme was outside the parish’s development limits. They were also worried about the potential risks to any protected species on the site.
On Wednesday, April 26, Wokingham Borough Council laid out their reasons for refusing permission.
They said the scheme would be inappropriate and unsustainable development in the countryside. The council could deliver enough self and custom-build housing to meet projected need, without the scheme.
The new homes would take away from the impression of small hamlets in the area. The suburban or overly urban look of the housing did not fit in with existing homes in the area. The site was not within easy walking distance of services, public transport and schools.
Greater use of cars would increase carbon emissions. There were concerns about increased traffic and the safety of people walking in the road. Also, the council could not be satisfied, due to lack of information from the developers, that great crested newts, bats and reptiles would be safe.
