Riverside homes scheme is rejected

A PROPOSAL to build new homes next to the River Dun in Hungerford has been rejected.

The application was for two three-bedroom detached homes on land adjacent to 123 Strongrove Hill.

The project attracted several letters of support from nearby residents, some of whom remember cottages on the site which have since been demolished.

And Christopher and Jane Hall told planners the proposed development “would tidy up and make this piece of otherwise scruffy waste ground far more attractive”.

They added: “This piece of land has become a toilet for various commercial drivers and is fast becoming a fly-tipping site from the layby situated on the main A4 road for all sorts of rubbish which appears to be getting worse by the week.”

Natural England objected, citing concerns for the local water table and quality.

Hungerford Town Council’s environment and planning committee objected on the same grounds.

A planning officer’s report stated: “Whilst historical photographs have been submitted with the application to show previous dwellings on the site, it is not known when this ceased.”

It suggested the proposed development “would be detrimental to the appearance of the rural character of the site” and to the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

In addition, the report stated, “there is not sufficient information to demonstrate that the proposals are acceptable in this location and that the development will be safe and not increase flood risk elsewhere.”

It concluded: “There have been indications of support from local residents, with regards to the experience of fly-tipping and the proposal improving the appearance of the site.

“However, this is not a justification for an inappropriate form of development within the AONB.

“There may be other measures which the landowner could take to improve the appearance of the site, and prevent it from being used in [an] anti-social manner.”