The View from Shute End

Councillor Annette Drake writes...

Housing at Sandford Farm? Rubbish to Whistley Court!

The Inspector commenting on Wokingham Local Plan has identified Sandford Farm as a housing site for 360 houses. This would mean all the rubbish on the site would have to be taken out and dumped into pits at Whistley Court Farm.

We all thought we were safe after Persimmon Homes' appeal in 1999 against the Council's refusal for 250 houses was dismissed, and the Oracle Corporation was given permission last year to build a training and conference centre with a gym. Persimmon retained a "buy-back" clause, and it looks as though Oracle do not want to develop the site as planned.

So we shall have another fight on our hands, but this time environmental issues are higher on the agenda than they were in 1999, and Planning Policy Guidance gives us a stronger argument. In my opinion the issues are exactly the same now as they were three years ago, and Hurst will be adversely affected by the removal of rubbish and transportation to Whistley Court.

More gravel extraction

I have attended the Summerleaze Consultative committee, where we learnt of another application pending from the extraction company to extend their licence to operate until 2005. They say their reasons for this further extension are: the downturn in the need for minerals as fewer roads are being constructed, and the new waste management regulations and charges, which have reduced the amount of waste available - this at least is good news!

The local election

The local election on 2 May means that canvassing is uppermost in the minds of one third of the councillors who are due for re-election. The balance of power for the last year has been in the hands of the Chairman's casting vote at full council. The Cabinet members are all of the same party so they are keen on defending their slim majority while the others are in full pursuit of marginal seats. As a result Council business is taking second place just at the moment!

School Road development

My thanks to all of you who are helping to oppose the Millgate Homes proposal to replace three bungalows and one house with 25 units.