HANDS OFF HURST!

Threats of large-scale housing development in Hurst have diminished with the announcement at the end of November that the DETR Inspector's report on the Wokingham Local Plan rejects all proposed large development in the parish.

"Hurst is not a locality that I have recommended for additional housing within the District," he states in his report. "In my opinion, the settlement does not have the range of facilities to enable sustainable development to be obtained."

This means that any proposed large-scale development on the following sites is highly unlikely to be approved. The sites which residents fear would attract housing, are: Valley Nurseries, on land at Hogmoor Lane, Davis Street, Lodge Road, Tape Lane, between Lodge Road and Tape Lane, at Whistley Green, Whistley Court Farm, Targetts Farm, and on any open land between the centre of the village and the motorway.

In the meantime, Hurst Village Society will continue to monitor planning issues. Any new development - no matter the size - will be scrutinised to ensure that the village retains its character.