Lambourn development could be called in after rush of objections
MORE than 40 people have so far protested to planners over a proposed, major new housing development in Lambourn.
Since the project was highlighted in last week’s Newbury Weekly News, a wave of formal objections has been triggered.
Racing Welfare wants to build 24 one- and two-bedroom homes on the site of Collingridge Farm and the proposals have attracted support from horseracing industry bodies.
However, a torrent of objections from residents had been registered as this newspaper went to press.
Many of the objections arise from concern about the village infrastructure which critics fear would be further overwhelmed, resulting in worse annual flooding and sewage problems in the village.
One typical letter of objection, from Chris and Ananda Bodenstein, stated: “The sewage situation in Lambourn has been an issue for many years, with raw sewage flowing into the River Lambourn during times of high groundwater.
“This has not been remedied by Thames Water, who will not invest in upgrading this infrastructure.”
Others expressed fears over traffic, such as Donna Bates who told planners: “The road system in Lambourn cannot cope with the additional volume of traffic.
“There are regularly blockages on the high street as the roads are not broad enough; there is not enough visibility and adding substantial, additional traffic... would again make this worse.”
Nevertheless the project has strong support from horseracing industry.
Due to the number of objections, if a planning officer’s report recommends approval, the matter will be ‘called in’ to West Berkshire Council’s western area planning committee where it will be debated and voted upon by elected councillors.
Meanwhile, the application can be viewed in full, and commented on, by visiting the planning section of West Berkshire Council’s website and using the reference 21/00223/OUTMAJ.
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