The View from Shute End...

Wokingham District Councillor Annette Drake reports

Field between Tape Lane and Lodge Road

I feel we need to be aware of the fact that developers are offering small plots of agricultural land, outside settlements, for sale. The new owners may attempt to secure planning permission at a later date. I was alerted to this scenario by a reported case in Gloucester where agricultural land was sold in 2 acre parcels in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; the local council is concerned that applications will follow to develop the land.

We should be concerned for this field in Hurst, which is presently being marketed by an estate agent in 2+ acre plots. The drawing includes a line of possible housing plots on the edge of the field, fronting on to Tape Lane and adjacent to the new access [recently refused]. This is not an area for development and this has been successfully defended at appeal. However, we should note the similarities with the Gloucester case.

A second application has been registered to move the new access further away from the oak tree. I have listed this application in order that you will have the chance to comment in public about the fact that there is already an access into this field, which is at a safer position in Tape Lane. Surely it makes no sense to allow this proposal.

Sandford Lane

Sandford Lane is currently closed for 6 weeks re-surfacing (from 16th August). It is necessary to close it to traffic due to the narrow width of the road.

Fairbrook, Wokingham Road

The new owner has applied to build a house in the garden on the Eastwood side of the property, using a policy which allows for infilling within a row of houses [even outside the settlement]. The principle of development is acceptable provided that the development is of “High quality and design that respects the local context by virtue of siting, layout, massing, materials, colour and texture.”. This particular application has been refused because of the size and massing. The applicant has lodged an appeal, which took place in August, the outcome of which is awaited.

Enhanced Landscaping in Davis Way

The enhanced landscaping planted as a screen for houses in Davis Way, when the fence over the motorway bridge in David Street was removed, has died and will replaced at the next planting time.

Clearing Ditches

There are now six residents who are interested in having ditches on their property dug out, so I will begin to look for a contractor who will give us a reasonable deal.

Contacting Annette Drake

Telephone 0118 934 xxxx or e-mail at anndrk@dsl.pipex.com