1,600 objections to Pincents Lane plans
Oppostion to scheme that would see 265 new homes built in Tilehurst
THERE are more than 1,600 objections to plans to build hundreds of homes in Tilehurst, writes Local Democracy Reporter Nathan Hyde.
A company called U+I Pincents Lane Ltd wants to build 265 homes and a GP surgery on a patch of green space just off Pincents Lane.
According to the plans, it also wants to create a nine-hectare public park and plant enough trees to create a 20m ‘woodland buffer’ between Tilehurst and the new housing estate.
The company has promised to ensure 106 of the new homes are affordable and provide £1m that can be invested in local infrastructure.
But the project has proved to be extremely controversial, as West Berkshire Council has received more than 1,620 objections and 235 letters of support.
The council is still considering the application and a spokeswoman said a decision is due to be made at a public meeting “at the end of March or beginning of April”.
Supporters believe the project will provide much-needed affordable housing in Tilehurst, but objectors claim the development will put a huge strain on local schools, roads and other infrastructure.
They are also concerned about the loss of green space and the impact on wildlife.
One objector wrote: “This is a much-loved recreational area in a part of the greater Reading area which has been losing its green spaces bit by bit over the last 20 plus years.
“Moreover, footpaths will be
affected, trees lost, with the consequent loss of wildlife.
“In this increasingly built-up area, we need space to walk and relax.”
One woman wrote: “The idea of all the new homeowners trying to get on to local roads and the A4 in rush hour fills me with dread.
“Calcot and Tilehurst grind to a halt at rush hour as it is.”
Another objector claimed that local wildlife will be left “homeless” if that area of green space is turned into a large housing estate.
She added: “The area in question is used locally for exercise and enjoyment of the countryside.
“Too many open spaces are being destroyed and this latest proposed development would be a travesty.”
But many supporters claim they are being priced out of the area and they welcome plans for more affordable homes.
One wrote: “The prices in Tilehurst are ridiculously expensive.
“There simply isn’t anything that is affordable.
“I work for a school and have two children. I’m a single parent of two teenagers.
“The mixture of homes that are planned for Pincents Lane would enable me to get my foot on the housing ladder.
“Not only would we get our own roof over our heads, but we would have the park next door as well.”
In 2009, plans to build 750 homes, a hotel and shops on the site in Tilehurst were rejected by the council.
THIS week we are celebrating not one, but two vaccine volunteers.
Lynne Clare and Ivor Graham have jointly been named as Newbury Vaccination Centre’s Volunteer of the Week.
The retired couple have lived in Burghclere for more than 17 years and were really pleased for the opportunity to volunteer at the centre.
Ms Clare said: “It is immensely satisfying to be doing something concrete in the fight against the virus.
“We are also pleased to be part of a locally-run initiative helping people from the West Berks area.”
Mr Graham is head marshal in the car park and his partner Ms Clare, has worked tirelessly in almost every other role.
They have done a shift on most days that the vaccination centre has been open.
Each week the lead volunteers discuss who, among the army of volunteers, should be awarded the Volunteer of the Week and this week chose Mr Graham and Ms Clare, because “both have been there from the start – they are reliable, cheerful and full of ideas”.
Ms Clare added: “We are deployed doing pretty much any of the jobs that do not require medical experience, leaving the professionals free to do the allimportant vaccinations.
“If you think we looked like we were sometimes channelling Michelin man it’s because we have to come dressed for any duty – ski thermals were repurposed to keep us warm.
“We are both looking forward to the warmer weather.”
Mr Graham added: “Between us we’ve done many of the volunteer roles and our overriding feeling is how efficient it all is and how happy people are to be vaccinated.
“Tweaks in the process after each shift means that all learnings are soon implemented to improve the experience for those being vaccinated.
“Regular updates are uploaded to the centre’s Facebook page.”
The volunteer leads voted for Mr Graham because “his jolly approach in rain, snow or shine helps ensure those arriving feel comfortable”.
And Ms Clare got their vote because she has done many different roles.
Ms Clare said: “It’s fascinating to be part of the team handling so many patients so smoothly and it is also gratifying knowing that we’re doing something useful.
“The donations of treats for the staff and volunteers are overwhelming and very welcome, particularly when it’s cold, dark and wet out there.
“I don’t mind what I do, but if you’re on the surgery desk it’s lovely getting the chance to speak to everyone when they come in for their jab.”
Ms Clare also praised the volunteer leaders and the whole team: “The atmosphere is so upbeat and the sense of a team all working together is phenomenal.
“The leaders are very welcoming of ideas, because we are all learning as we go along, and you’ll quite often notice that small tweaks have been made on the next shift.”
The couple said that like everyone else their lives have changed significantly in the last year.
“Normally we would be getting in as much skiing as possible now and Ivor would be playing golf at Newbury & Crookham where he is treasurer,” Ms Clare added.
“We both miss live theatre and gigs, but Lynne does Zoom yoga and we hope to be able to see our children and grandchildren soon,” said Mr Graham.
FROM March 8, the first stage in the roadmap out of lockdown is that we can meet a friend outdoors.
This includes “coffee on a bench”. So everyone who has taken lockdown seriously since before Christmas can arrange to meet up on a bench.
But are there enough benches in Newbury?
This is a reminder that Newtown Road Cemetery has six benches waiting to accommodate long-lost friends.
At the north end we have the ‘Sunny Seat’, Chapel Bench and Godwin’s Bench.
To the south there in the Children’s Path Bench, Dissenters Bench and the Corner Seat.
Enjoy the spring flowers in this peaceful four-acre site.
ROS CLOW
Friends of Newtown Road Cemetery
Name: Hello my name is Ozzy
Breed: I am a Ragdoll
Owners: I am owned by (king of) Samantha, Karl, Kelly and Hayley. Although I prefer Kelly. Likes/dislikes: I like it when my slaves wear the big red throw so I can curl up and sleep when they really need the loo. I also love putting my tail right near their feet in the kitchen. I dislike when they stand on my tail and when they disturb me from my slumber and move me to go to the loo.